Who replaces Modric? Milan’s midfield must reinvent itself
The absence of Luka Modric carries significant weight. The Croatian playmaker has been one of the brightest performers at AC Milan this 2025-26 season, and finding a worthy replacement for the final four Serie A matchdays won’t be easy for manager Massimiliano Allegri. Two names are on his desk: Ardon Jashari and Samuele Ricci.
Jashari: a golden opportunity not to be wasted
Ardon Jashari is the natural option. The Swiss-Kosovar midfielder has often been the first replacement for Modric during the season, and now finds himself facing what could be the most important opportunity of his Rossoneri career. Signed for €35 million from Club Bruges, the midfielder has struggled to establish himself consistently — partly for objective reasons: a fibula injury suffered in late August forced him to miss nearly three months, returning only in December. Missing the entire pre-season and opening fixtures inevitably disrupted his integration into the group and Allegri’s system. And competing with a legend like Modric for playing time was never going to be straightforward.
Now, however, the stage is his. Four matches to prove his worth and convince the club those €35 million were well spent. An unmissable opportunity for the 2002-born midfielder, who has all the potential to step up.
Ricci: the continuity card
The other option is Samuele Ricci, the former Torino midfielder signed for €25 million. The Italy international has accumulated more minutes than Jashari this season, and that experience could make him a safer option in Allegri’s eyes. His tactical intelligence, pressing ability, and game-reading skills make him a reliable figure to anchor the midfield in the matches ahead.
It is also possible that the coach opts to alternate the two, splitting minutes depending on the opposition. The remaining fixtures are demanding, and every selection decision will carry real weight.
The worrying stat: one goal in four matches
Beyond the midfield question, there is a number that should concern the entire Rossoneri environment: in the last four league matches — against Napoli, Udinese, Verona and Juventus — Milan have scored just one goal. An alarming figure, more befitting a relegation-threatened side than a club with European ambitions.
The attacking phase is clearly struggling, and the final four matchdays must serve — perhaps above all — as an opportunity to rediscover sharpness and cutting edge up front. Santiago Giménez, who arrived in January with high expectations, must be the focal point of the attack. A collective show of pride is needed to close out the season with heads held high and send a clear signal ahead of the summer transfer window.
