Former AC Milan midfielder Demetrio Albertini can help Lazio make the step up to becoming title contenders in Italy and the Champions League, according to his old coach Cesare Maldini.

 "He was the man they (Lazio) needed to make that final jump in quality," Maldini was quoted as saying in Monday's Corriere dello Sport.

 "(Lazio coach Roberto) Mancini wanted someone who could dictate the tempo of a match," said Maldini, who coached Albertini in both Milan and the Italian national side.

 "His performances so far this season are no surprise. Even as a kid he was a leader. He used to fire the others up in training."

 The 32-year-old has proved an inspired acquisition by Lazio, having cost the club nothing when he arrived in July from the European champions in exchange for defender Giuseppe Pancaro.

 After spearheading Lazio's two-leg victory over Benfica in their Champions League qualifier, Albertini has also contributed to his new team's fine start to the domestic season, scoring in wins against Lecce and Sampdoria.

 Now, as Lazio prepare for Tuesday's Champions League Group G opener against Besiktas, his performances may prove to be cause for regret for Milan, the club with which he won five Serie A titles and the 1994 European Cup.

 "He'll be one of the key players in a wonderful season for Lazio," predicted ex-team mate Andrei Shevchenko.

 "We could have used him still in Milan".

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