Luka Modric might have got less than half an hour in the win over Bari, but the numbers show why he made an instant impact.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write today, Milan may still be recovering from last season’s disastrous performances, but even in small doses Modric has already proven to be a powerful medicine. Against Bari, the Croatian’s 25 minutes were enough to thrill San Siro.
The former Ballon d’Or winner’s integration is proceeding in controlled stages. After all, Modric only arrived at Milanello on August 5th, after bidding farewell to Real Madrid with his final appearance at the Club World Cup.
He needs to regain his fitness, without risking unnecessary acceleration, given that the rest of the team is responding well to the demands of the new coach. Massimiliano Allegri, however, is waiting for him, confident that in the meantime the champion can make a difference.
An instant impact
Against Bari, Luka took over from Samuele Ricci at the base of the midfield, with 41 touches of the ball recorded at a rate of 1.64 touches per minute. Always in the thick of things, he produced 29 successful passes and a dribble that led to a shot blocked by Cerofolini.
Nothing groundbreaking, but numbers aside, Modric’s presence was felt primarily in terms of personality and leadership. The Croatian is yet to get into the swing of things at the new Milan, but thanks to his experience and intelligence, he immediately gave the impression that it won’t take him long.
On the other hand, the stadium is already buzzing with excitement at his every touch. Despite Modric having won everything in his career – lighting up the stage of the Santiago Bernabeu for years – the affection of San Siro left its mark on Sunday evening, starting with his pre-match presentation.
After the game, he told the official Instagram: “It was fantastic to be here and play my first few minutes at San Siro. I had a lot of fun, thanks to the fans for their support, and we’ll see you again next Saturday. Forza Milan!”
Modric has signed a one-year deal with the Rossoneri, with the option to extend for another season if things go well. Playing for Milan had been his childhood dream, and after a stellar career, he decided to remember his first love to end things on a high note.
📰 Today’s @Gazzetta_it…
👑 “The king of San Siro. Modric made a spectacular debut. Class and personality: ‘Thank you, #ACMilan fans’.”
😍 “In 25 minutes of the Coppa Italia, he touched the ball 41 times: a shot and a great dribble, much to the delight of the fans.” pic.twitter.com/rvFEjj51EF
— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) August 19, 2025
Don’t think, however, that he came to Milan to hibernate then retire. Luka isn’t that type, and he made it clear at the press conference where he introduced himself to the Rossoneri world, stating: “I’m here to win more trophies.”
Who better than him to teach his teammates how to do that? Even before his feet, Luka will be useful with his head, infecting Milanello with the right mentality. Of course, his flashes of class won’t go unnoticed, and San Siro accompanied them with the typical “oooh” of wonder on Sunday against Bari.
It is a scene destined to repeat itself on Saturday night against Cremonese, in their league debut. Maybe (probably) still on the bench from minute one, but with a view to a starting spot, which will come sooner or later.