Maldini cleared after drug test controversy following Milan crash

Initial reports suggested that Cagliari and Italy striker Daniel Maldini had failed a drug test after a car accident in Milan last week, but full examinations later confirmed he was below the legal cut‑off and therefore tested negative.

Accident and initial allegations

The crash involved six people and occurred in Milan; Maldini, 24, had his driving licence confiscated after a breath‑alyser failure. Italian police used a saliva swab, a method with no legal validity, and claimed the preliminary result indicated drug use. This prompted officers to order a hospital blood sample.

Local media quoted the Public Prosecutor’s Office as saying the blood results were “not compatible” with driving under the influence of drugs, effectively clearing the striker of any drug‑related offence.

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Clearance and on‑field performance

Following the negative test, Maldini returned to action for Cagliari Calcio. On August 22, 2026, at Stadio Ennio Tardini in Parma, Italy, he contested the ball with Mariano Emir Troilo of Parma Calcio 1913 during a Serie A match.

He has already scored three goals in Cagliari’s first five Serie A games and earned a call‑up to the Italy national team for upcoming Nations League fixtures.

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All five other crash victims were discharged from the hospital after a few hours with no major injuries, allowing Maldini to focus on his club and international duties.