Italian soccer sensation Francesco Totti has become well known for his devastating strikes and blistering free kicks.  During a Serie A league match Wednesday against first place club Inter Milan, he put his lethal right boot to use, but this time his target was not the ball.  Instead, it was the leg of Inter’s Mario Balotelli that would be on the receiving end of a swift kick from Italy’s golden boy.

Balotelli is not the most liked player in Italy.  In fact, it may be fair to say that he is one of the most hated.  And so although Totti was shown a red card for his actions, he has also likely endeared himself (once again) to soccer fans across the country.

Hat Tip – [Deadspin]

The 40-year-old veteran began his career in 1985, at the early age of 16 with the Rossoneri.  Throughout his time with the club he has won the Champions League five times along with  seven Serie A titles.  He recorded a total of 646 appearances for AC Milan in his career, scoring a total of 29 goals in that time.  For the Italian international team, he holds the record for caps with 126, scoring 7 goals.  AC Milan still have one game remaining on this season’s schedule, at Fiorentina, and Maldini is expected to play.

If there is one blemish on his great career, it is the lack of a significant International title.  Maldini was unable to capture the World Cup or Euro Cup during his time with the national squad, retiring just prior to the 2006 World Cup.  It was that year that Italy would win their first since 1982.

Some may say that his career will never be complete without that accomplishment, but anyone who watched and followed the Italian icon will understand the presence he brought to his team, both inside the dressing room and on the field.  While he was not on the roster for Italy’s v2006 World Cup championship, the lessons and skills he taught many of the players who were proved to be detrimental in the success of the team.  For that his country will remain ever grateful.

Here are highlights of the game along with the salute to Maldini at the end.  AS Roma would end up winning this one 3-2 on a late free kick from Francesco Totti.