Maldini not surprised by Inter Milan success and Napoli fall

Paolo Maldini admits he's staying clear of AC Milan.

Maldini was sacked as technical director at Milan at the end of last season.

"I don't go there (to San Siro) anymore, it's logical. I follow Monza and Empoli, where my children play," he said.

At the same time, the 55-year-old praises city rivals Inter, who have won Serie A in dominant fashion this season.

"That is very telling. There was a strategy," said Maldini.

"It is no coincidence that Napoli ended up in the wrong place after the dismissal of the coach and sporting director. The sporting management doesn't always get that much attention. Sometimes the players are seen as machines that should produce everything, but people are needed to help them do it.

"I think that supporting the players is still something that is talked about too little, both in Italy and elsewhere.

"We forget that they're young guys who need support, and someone who tells it like it is. It is not always easy to talk to them."