Italy's Cup qualifying win a family affair for Maldinis

The Maldinis have become Italian soccer's royal family.

In Italy's 3-0 victory Saturday against Moldova, son Paoloscored a goal to help dad Cesare remain undefeated (3-0) as coach ofthe national team.

Italy moved into the lead in its World Cup qualifying group asGianfranco Zola and Christian Vieri also scored.Milan's Maldini went between three defenders in the 24th minuteand beat goalkeeper Denis Romanenco. Zola, who plays for Chelsea inthe English Premier League, connected in the 44th by picking up therebound of a shot by Parma midfielder Dino Baggio. Juventus' Vieri,who was making his international debut, then scored in the 49th.Italy (4-0) leads Europe's Group 2 with 12 points, three aheadof England (3-1) and nine in front of Poland (1-1). The top teamqualifies for the 1998 tournament in France, and the second-placeteam probably will wind up in a playoff.Italy plays at Poland on Wednesday.MORE QUALIFYING: Gheorghe Popescu, who plays for Barcelona inthe Spanish League, scored four goals as host Romania destroyedLiechtenstein 8-0 in Bucharest.Popescu scored in the 30th, 32nd, 67th and 82nd minutes.Vioerel Moldovan scored in the 11th, Gheorghe Hagi in the 47th, DanPetrescu in the 49th and Gheorghe Craioveanu, who plays for RealSociedad in the Spanish League, in the 70th.Romania (4-0) leads Europe's Group 8 with 12 points, five aheadof Ireland (2-0-1) and Macedonia (2-2-1). Liechtenstein (0-5) hasbeen outscored 29-2.GOODBYE, WEMBLEY: In the final "friendly" game at WembleyStadium, England beat Mexico 2-0 on Teddy Sheringham's penalty kickin the 18th minute and Robbie Fowler's goal in the 55th.Contributing: Sun-Times wires