Hospital tests clear Daniel Maldini of drug driving after Milan car crash

Hospital toxicology results

Laboratory testing conducted at Niguarda hospital in Milan confirmed that Cagliari forward Daniel Maldini was not driving under the influence of narcotics during a collision on the night between 12 and 13 September 2026. Analysis of blood samples taken from the 24-year-old player returned readings below the cutoff threshold, excluding the presence of cannabis active compound THC as well as ketamine. The hospital blood analysis was ordered after an initial roadside saliva swab registered a positive indication at the scene. Under Italian traffic protocols, preliminary saliva screenings lack legal standing and require mandatory hospital laboratory verification before any charges can proceed. Local police confirmed the final hospital results were not compatible with driving under psychophysical alteration from narcotics.

Collision on Via Caracciolo

The traffic incident took place on Via Caracciolo in Milan shortly after Maldini scored a decisive penalty for Cagliari in a league victory over his former team Atalanta. Local police investigators determined that Maldini, driving a Porsche Carrera 4, entered the thoroughfare without yielding the right of way to an approaching Volkswagen Golf. The impact deflected the Golf into a stationary Mercedes parked along the road. Six individuals were involved in the multi-vehicle crash, with five people sustaining light injuries across the three cars. Maldini was transported to the emergency room for precautionary examinations and was discharged shortly afterward.

His defense lawyer Danilo Buongiorno issued a statement addressing the player's physical condition after the hospital discharge.

“Daniel is well and did not suffer any type of injury.”

Blood alcohol readings and legal proceedings

Despite the negative narcotics clearance, Maldini faces drink-driving charges resulting from on-scene breath testing. Milan local police recorded breathalyzer readings of 0.91 grams per liter and 0.89 grams per liter, both above Italy's legal driving limit of 0.50 grams per liter. Police officers immediately confiscated Maldini's driving license at the location of the collision. Investigators compiled the collision reports, witness statements, and medical data into a formal case dossier. The completed file was submitted to the Milan Public Prosecutor's Office to initiate judicial proceedings regarding the alcohol violation.

Italian legal limit0.5

First breath test0.91

Second breath test0.89

Italian legal limit

0.5 g/l

First breath test

0.91 g/l

Second breath test

0.89 g/l

Data from the article text

Club return and national team call-up

In the days following the Milan collision, Maldini published the results of a secondary battery of toxicology tests performed in Cagliari, which also showed no trace of illicit substances. Cagliari football club verified those medical records and authorized the forward to rejoin first-team training duties. The incident did not alter his international standing, as Italy manager Roberto Mancini included Maldini in the senior national squad for the upcoming round of Nations League matches. The forward continues his competitive commitments while judicial authorities in Milan review the drink-driving submission.