De Sciglio: Maldini comparison 'flattering'

The defender has been tipped for stardom and he feels honored that people have likened him to the former Italy great.

AC Milan youngster Mattia De Sciglio has admitted to being flattered by comparisons with Paolo Maldini, insisting he would be happy to achieve half of what the Rossoneri legend did in the game.

The 20-year-old De Sciglio has been one of the revelations of the season so far and developed into a key player for Massimiliano Allegri's side, and he is keen to continue his progress in the years to come.

"The comparison with Maldini is very flattering. He did some incredible things and I just hope to achieve half of what he did," De Sciglio told RAI Sport. "I always try to do what I know I can do, and I try to do the simple things. Then, the more my confidence grows, the more I can start to do the harder things as well.

"My main goal is to continue doing well with Milan because we have a goal to reach."

De Sciglio has made 21 Serie A appearances so far this term, and he started both of Italy's games during the international break. He notched an assist in Tuesday's clash with Malta, setting up Mario Balotelli for his second goal.