Milan must land Lucio, says Maldini
A.C. Milan star Paolo Maldini has drawn up a wish-list of defenders he wants at the San Siro next season, with Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Lucio at the top.
"I am so impressed by him. Milan must buy him immediately," he urged. "It's not easy to find experienced, talented players like Lucio and, when you do, you have to get them on board."
Maldini could be the last defender from Milan's golden era still at the club next season if Alessandro Costacurta cannot overcome his injury problems.
Franco Baresi and Mauro Tassotti are long-since retired, of course, and the Italy skipper is on the look-out for players of similar quality whom Milan can build their Serie A title tilt upon next year.
"Fabricio Coloccini is doing great things with Alaves. He is on loan from us, but has shown he is ready for AC Milan. Adama Sarr is probably a bit young. He has excellent qualities, but needs time to grow up.
"I also hope that Francesco Coco comes back from Barcelona and I still regret that we lost Christian Panucci. I believe the club were in too much of a rush to sell him," he said.
Milan are still in the running for a place in the Champions' League, despite another disappointing season, and victory on the final day would put them in a strong position to achieve that goal.
"We have to beat Lecce and that's not impossible," said Maldini. "We have made a long and tiring recovery, so it could be a pity to stop now.
"We must beat Lecce and, at the same time, support Brescia against Bologna. If we finish in fourth position, we will salvage our season," he added.
