Modrić’s Quiet Genius Boots Milan Past Napoli: A Ten-Man Thriller Ahead of Juventus
29 septembre 2025
Match context and early momentum
Massimiliano Allegri praised Milan’s fighting spirit after a 2-1 win over Napoli, noting how Luka Modrić’s intelligence helped the Rossoneri regain control of the game through timely interceptions and smart pressing.
Milan began with purpose, racing to a 2-0 lead within the first half hour thanks to Christian Pulisic’s inspirational display, who set up Alexis Salimaikeris for the opener and then scored the second himself.
Turning points and tactical shifts
The match swung when Milan left-back Pervis Estupiñán was sent off for a clumsy challenge on Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, awarding Napoli a lifeline via a penalty converted by Kevin De Bruyne and turning the final minutes into a nervy finale as David Neres struck the crossbar late.
Allegri’s post-match remarks, relayed by DAZN, emphasized the challenge: “It was a tough test against a strong Napoli side. Our first half was excellent, but we went down to ten men in the second—defensive work increasingly becomes our training ground to survive and seize chances.”
Allegri on squad depth and the Juventus build
“The players delivered a superb performance, but this is just the start. We must enjoy the win and immediately refocus for the next match before the international window,” Allegri said, highlighting how the victory moved Milan to the top of the table on goal difference and reinforcing his belief in the squad’s depth to adapt to different opponents.
Rafael Leão returned from injury to feature as a substitute, with Allegri hinting at a bright future as both Leão and fellow attackers regain full fitness. The coach also noted that Adrien Rabiot’s arrival forced a tactical rethink to a 3-5-2, allowing flexibility to suit players’ strengths while maintaining pressing intensity.
“We have multiple attacking options in different roles. What matters is restoring full fitness and keeping the tempo high for the whole 90 minutes,” he added, stressing that the team must be prepared for any scenario across the campaign.
Modrić’s influence remains a talking point
The veteran midfielder’s impact is clear: his presence helps anchor the defense and closes passing lanes with intelligent positioning. Allegri explained that Modrić’s ability to anticipate play and win the ball with smart challenges adds immense value to Milan’s balance in midfield.
As the table tightens, Milan sit joint top with Napoli and Roma on 12 points, a testament to how far the squad has progressed since their shock season opener against Cremonese. Allegri noted that, despite early hiccups, the team’s cohesion and tactical flexibility are now evident as they head into a critical spell before the next international break.
Looking ahead, the Derby della Mole looms: Milan visit Juventus at the Allianz Stadium on October 5, in what promises to be a pivotal clash for both sides’ title ambitions.
With one eye on Juve and another on the shifting landscape of Serie A, Milan’s tenacity in adversity suggests a squad that thrives under pressure—even if their style occasionally turns into a chess match with a few fireworks. The plan is clear: stay compact, press when possible, and let Modrić’s brain do the rest.
Sniper-level humor note: Milan’s defense is so airtight that even my jokes can’t slip through—unless you count the occasional groan as a “through-ball.” Punchline incoming: 1) If Milan’s defense were any tighter, it’d require a password and two-factor authentication to score. 2) They say good teams win with luck; Milan wins with Modrić’s brain and a plan so tight you’d need a passport to escape it.
