 It was his only league appearance of the campaign, but he was immediately made a member of the starting eleven the following season, at age 17, at right-back, being handed the number 3 shirt, which had previously also belonged to his father, Cesare.He was later switched to his more iconic position of left-back due to his ability with his left foot.Maldini also made his Coppa Italia debut in 1985, on 21 August, while his debut in European Competitions also came later that same year, on 18 September.