Milan’s New Signing Set For First Start As Modric Earns Legendary Comparison

Written By Onyeka Daniel

It has been a complete turn around of fortune for Serie A giant, AC Milan after losing the first game of the 2025-26 season, a 2-1 home loss to newly-promoted club, Cremonese, but since the, they’ve won their last three games including the recent 3-0 away win over Udinese.

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After the weekend win at the Bluenergy Stadium, they now have another match coming l as they prepare to return to action on Tuesday, this time around, it is a Coppa Italia knockout round against Lecce at the San Siro stadium and the goal will be to continue their winning streak.

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With no distractions from playing in Europe this season, all of their focus will be on the Serie A and the Coppa Italia and with their recent form, the coach will be looking to rotate his squad for the upcoming game to help manage the players and reduce injuries.

Consequently, Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Christopher Nkunku could start for the first time while Rafael Leao will be assessed later this week to determine his availability against Napoli over the weekend after missing their last four matches so far.

Despite their winning streak, Allegri has urged his players to switch focus quickly as he wants to qualify for the next round. “Tomorrow is a different competition from the league, a knockout game. There’s not even extra time, so we must not let it go to penalties, which are a lottery.” He told SportMediaset.

“Winning is never easy; we’ll need the right approach.” He confirmed that Nkunku is likely to start, but there will be more rotations in other departments. “Nkunku is doing better; he could even start. Tomorrow is a chance to see those who have played less, but it’s also an opportunity to go through and qualify for the next round,” Allegri said.

“You experience it differently, watching the match from the stands, it’s not the same. Hopefully, this will be the last time because I can’t afford to be in the stands again.” Leao has only played one competitive match this season and has been out of action since mid-August due to a calf injury.

The Portuguese won’t be available in Coppa Italia and will be assessed ahead of the next Serie A match against Napoli. “Tomorrow absolutely not. We’ll assess him on Thursday and Friday and decide whether or not he’ll be available for Napoli,” the former Juventus manager concluded.

In a related development, former Milan midfielder, Demetrio Albertini sees similarities between Luka Modric and Andrea Pirlo and feels the Rossoneri ‘must fight’ for the Scudetto this season after their bright start that saw them hold 3rd on the current Serie A table.

While Allegri has reiterated that the main target will be to qualify for the Champions League this season, but club legend Demetrio Albertini believes the Diavoli should aim for more. “Milan cannot just compete; they must fight for the Scudetto. When you wear the Rossoneri shirt, you are obliged to aim for the maximum,” he said.

“Managing key moments during the season is unknown for everyone, but these first matches have shown that the Devil can stay at the top.” Allegri was appointed as the new coach over the summer and Albertini credited the Italian tactician for the team’s positive results so far.

“He knows how to win and how to build something,” said the Milan legend. “If you have a solid group that follows you and works well, transmitting your tactical belief is much easier. Against Bologna and Udinese, I saw a team with clear ideas.” He continued.

Milan will host defending champions Napoli at San Siro on Sunday. “Milan have one of the best midfields in Serie A. They’re on par with Napoli. Maybe Allegri is missing something in attack, but in midfield, they have already found a balance between young players and veterans.” He said.

Talking of veterans, Modric has surely increased the quality in the middle of the park for the Rossoneri, and Albertini is delighted with the Croat’s performances. “He has brought calm and composure to the group. Only a great champion who plays in that role can make his teammates perform above expectations.”

“With Luka, everything becomes simpler, both for young players and newcomers. Modric doesn’t need to chase opponents, but rather to give meaning to the build-up play. He needs midfielders who make themselves available, and he dictates the passes.” He continued about the veteran.

“You can’t expect him to have the stamina of a 20-year-old or to run for 90 minutes, but with his feet, he makes the difference.” Asked whether Modric has brought the same quality as Pirlo over a decade ago, Albertini said:

“The comparison holds up, and it’s no coincidence that they are both attacking midfielders who, during their careers, dropped deeper to put their quality at the service of the team. Before, the No.10s, from Platini to Giannini, were protected by holding midfielders and played higher up.”

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“Then we saw players like Ancelotti and me, who could both win back the ball and act as playmakers. Pirlo, in that role, changed football, and now Milan have another champion playing in front of the defence.” He further added.

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