Modric, the Derby, and a Performance for the Rossoneri History Books
There is a fine thread connecting Luka Modric‘s timeless class to AC Milan’s derby win over Inter, and that thread is pure, absolute quality. The Croatian maestro, at 40 years of age, continues to redefine what is possible in modern football: against the Nerazzurri he was once again the standout performer, confirming a level of consistency that has not wavered all season.
The Croatian’s Staggering Numbers: First in Every Category
The statistics speak for themselves and paint a picture of total technical dominance. The former Real Madrid midfielder is the most-used outfield player by Massimiliano Allegri this season, and the figures explain why:
- 1,603 accurate passes – first in the squad
- 950 accurate passes in the opposition half – first in the squad
- 430 passes in the final third – first in the squad
- 136 long balls – first in the squad
- 48 chances created – first in the squad
Numbers that describe a Ballon d’Or winner capable of blending artistry with substance. It was from the forty-year-old’s boot that the winning goal originated: a visionary pass to Fikayo Tomori, who then combined with Rafael Leão before providing the decisive assist for Pervis Estupiñán. A team goal built with patience that unmistakably carries the Croatian playmaker’s fingerprint.
Dressing Room Celebrations: Milan Win the Second Derby of the Season
At the final whistle, Rossoneri joy erupted. In the San Siro dressing room, when Modric and Estupiñán — voted the two best players and interviewed pitchside — walked in, the squad greeted them with a rapturous round of applause. Hugs, chanting, and an atmosphere of togetherness that speaks of a united group, one capable of winning both derbies this season.
The victory reinforces a clear trend: Allegri’s Milan are a formidable force in the big matches. Against Napoli, Inter (home and away), Juventus, Roma, and Como, the Rossoneri have consistently shown their quality. The challenge, if anything, remains consistency against lower-table sides, where precious points have been dropped this campaign. But the squad’s talent is undeniable and the potential remains huge.
Del Piero Jokes: “You Can Play Until 50.” But the Renewal Is Serious Business
Alex Del Piero, during the post-match coverage, directed a quip at Modric that instantly went viral: “You can play until you’re 50 in this league.” An affectionate tease that hides a genuine truth: the Croatian shows no sign of slowing down.
According to reports, sporting director Igli Tare and manager Allegri are actively working to persuade Modric to stay at Milan next season. The signs are encouraging: the midfielder likes the club, loves the city of Milan, and feels at home in the Rossoneri environment. The prospect of playing in the Champions League — a target now firmly within reach — could prove the decisive factor in securing his agreement. The Croatian’s experience and humility would be an invaluable asset for European nights.
Bartesaghi: “Europe Is Milan’s Home, We Cannot Miss Out”
Adding to the positive post-derby narrative are the words of Davide Bartesaghi, collected by MilanNews at the “Friend of Children Award” event. The young Rossoneri full-back spoke with maturity and enthusiasm.
“Winning a derby is always very important and always a great feeling. It’s an incredible emotion, because derbies are defining matches. We managed to win both this year and we are very happy about that: credit goes to the whole team, but above all we are delighted for Pervis’s goal that earned us these three points.”
Bartesaghi also addressed the season objective, playing down the Scudetto talk that surfaced after the derby: “The objective has always been the same, the one set in July: qualify for the Champions League, because Europe is Milan’s home and we cannot miss out. Dreaming is free, but we are staying focused and we will see what happens further down the line.”
He also reflected on the table and the gap to Inter: “The standings say what they say for now, but there are still a lot of games to play and anything can happen in football. You have to be good at managing every single match and try to do your best.”
Bartesaghi on Gattuso’s National Team Radar?
Finally, the 2004-born defender hinted at a potential call-up from Rino Gattuso: “I hope so. Right now I’m focused on Milan and we have two more important games ahead for our objective. We will try our best, as always.”
Words that confirm the exponential growth of the young defender, who is now competing with Estupiñán for a starting spot. A welcome selection headache for Allegri ahead of the next fixture against Lazio, a match in which the coach could once again start the Ecuadorian full-back, buoyed by his decisive derby goal. Either way, Estupiñán’s mental and physical recovery is a significant boost for the final stretch of the season.
Sources: MilanNews (Bartesaghi interview); Sky Sport post-match (Alex Del Piero comment).
