 He helped Italy keep a clean sheet in their opening win against Ecuador, and played in all four of Italy's matches.Italy disappointed in the remaining group matches, but went on to the knockout round as the second placed team of their group.Immediately after a ten-man Italy were controversially eliminated in the round of sixteen, by a golden goal, to co-hosts South Korea, Maldini retired from international football, at the age of 34, as Italy's most capped player.