But later that summer Maldini was a picture of dejection as Italy lost the World Cup final on penalties to Brazil in front of 94,000 fans in Los Angeles' Rose Bowl.
Four years earlier he had suffered the same fate at the semi final stage as the host nation bowed out to Argentina.
And the Maldini family were plunged into despair again in 1998 as Cesare, Italy's coach for the past two years, saw his reign end with a quarter-final defeat to the eventual champions.
The team's defensive tactics were criticised, and there was yet more disappointment at Euro 2000 as Paolo and his comrades lost out to David Trezeguet's golden goal.
Little wonder, then, that Maldini feels there is still something missing from a glittering career as he prepares for one last shot at glory in Korea and Japan.
"We have gone close many times," he said. "This could be the right moment to win something with the national team."
Dino Zoff, the man Maldini passed as Italy's most capped player, finally lifted the World Cup at the age of 40 on his last attempt.
Maldini will continue to play for Milan for at least the next two years, but has confirmed he will retire from international football after the World Cup.
He will be 34 on June 26, the date of the second semi-final.
Four days later at Yokohama's International Stadium, the gap in a bulging CV may finally be filled.