The imperious defender has stayed loyal to the club ever since pulling on the famous red and black stripes for the first time in Udine on January 20, 1985 as a bright-eyed 16-year-old.

Having learned his trade from his trusted mentor, the legendary Franco Baresi, Maldini is regarded as one of best defenders of his generation.

He has won seven league championships, four European Cup/Champions League titles, four UEFA SuperCups, the Italian Cup and three Italian SuperCups.

The level-headed number three, who has only recently moved into the centre of defence from left-back due to a slight slowing of his 36-year-old legs, is also Italy's most-capped player, having represented the Azzurri 126 times.

AC Milan hold a five point advantage over third-placed Udinese and need to win on Sunday, not only to distance themselves from Luciano Spalletti's side but also to maintain the pressure on leaders Juventus, who face an equally tough task away to Cagliari.

Juve extended their lead over their closest rivals to four points last week and AC Milan defender Giuseppe Pancaro knows that the margin for error is small against their bogey side, who have won two out of their last three league meetings at the San Siro.

"The match will definitely be a tough challenge given our recent results against them and because Udinese are having a great run," said the 33-year-old Italy international, who joined AC Milan from Lazio in 2003.

"In the last 12 games they have taken more points than anybody and in many ways it feels like a match between two great teams. But we are very confident and believe in our strengths and I'm sure it's going to be a great game."

Cagliari will fancy their chances of toppling Juve at their intimidating Sant'Elia stadium where they have picked up 20 of their 25 points this season. The only team to win in Sardinia so far this season has been AC Milan.

FIXTURES
(all 1400 GMT unless stated)
Saturday: Brescia v Fiorentina (1700), Reggina v Inter (1930)

Sunday: AC Milan v Udinese, Atalanta v Siena, Cagliari v Juventus (1930), Chievo v Roma, Lazio v Palermo, Livorno v Messina, Parma v Lecce, Sampdoria v Bologna