CESARE MALDINI, 65, took over from Arrigo Sacchi in December 1996, after reverting to old style "catennacio" counter-attacking tactics, guided his side to their momentous 1-0 win over England in his competitive match.  His World Cup qualifying campaign jumped the rails over the summer and he was criticised for being unduly cautious when his side drew 0-0 with Poland, Georgia and England.  After Italy squeezed past Russia in the resulting play-offs Maldini, an excitable character who can seldom contain himself on the bench, vowed to make changes before France 98.  As a player, he won four league titles with Milan and Torinion in the 1950s and 1960s after starting with home side Trieste.  Born on February 5, 1932, his son Paolo is Italy's captain.