Italy won their opening group G game 2-0 against Ecuador on Monday but Maldini said it would be a huge error for Italy to think passage to the second round was in the bag.

“We haven’t got to think that we have already done it”, left back Maldini, playing in his fourth World Cup, told reporters yesterday.

“We had a good first game and we need to carry on like that.” Croatia disappointed in their first game in Japan, a 1-0 defeat to Mexico.

Maldini recalled the European championship in England in 1996 when, after Italy had won their opening game against Russia, coach Arrigo Sacchi rested several players for the second game against the Czech Republic which the Italians lost 2-1.

That result left Italy needing victory against Germany in their third group match and a goalless draw meant the Azzurri made a surprise early exit.

“At Euro 96 we underestimated the Czechs and that is an experience we need to remember”, said Maldini. The Croatians are the only team in group G to have beaten the Italians in the past, enjoying a 2-1 win in a European championship qualifier in Palermo in 1994, a game in which Maldini played.

But Maldini accepted that the Croatian side were a different proposition to the one that reached the semi-finals in France.

“As a group they don’t look as solid as they were but they have some talented individuals and are a superior side to Ecuador, even though they lost that game to Mexico.”

Paolo also said he was in daily contact with his father, Paraguay coach Cesare Maldini.

“I’ve had a few problems with the telephones but I’ve talked to him more or less every day,” Maldini senior said. “I’ve spoken to (Italy coach Giovanni) Trapattoni too and they’re all very well.”