Nesta’s Bold Take: Modrić Could Keep Milan Gliding for Decades as Derby Clash Looms
5 October 2025
Nesta’s Praise and the Modrić Spark
Former Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has heaped praise on Luka Modrić ahead of the big Derby della Madonnina in the sixth round of Serie A. Nesta told La Gazzetta dello Sport that Milan could be on a six-match winning run after their opening loss to Cremonese, and that Milan are the team to watch as they stand now.
He singled out the influence of Milan’s sporting director and the return of coach Massimiliano Allegri as signals of a smart, deliberate plan. Nesta argued that Allegri’s ability to reposition players, sharpen their roles, and restore organizational balance is precisely what Milan needs to unlock their potential. The broader point, he suggests, is that the squad’s strength comes from a coherent system as much as individual brilliance.
Most notably, Nesta praised Modrić’s on‑field vision, calling him outstanding. He said that since Andrea Pirlo’s era, Milan hasn’t seen a player of Modrić’s caliber at San Siro. With Modrić, Nesta argues, Milan is stronger across the board. The Rossoneri have lost Theo Hernández but the competition for places has intensified, and Nesta believes that one or two additional signings could further elevate the team, making this a potentially pivotal period for Milan.
When asked whether this generation could echo his own era, Nesta was candid: no, not exactly. The Milan of today operates in a different footballing and economic landscape, where only a few clubs can sustain the weight of a title challenge. Yet he remains confident that Modrić’s presence could help Milan harness that potential, especially in midfield where his experience and craft can guide the side through the tough moments of a long season.
Regarding Modrić’s impact, Nesta elaborated: his on‑field vision is remarkable; it’s the kind of influence that can reframe a team’s ceiling. He suggested that Milan hasn’t witnessed a player like Modrić at the club since Pirlo, and that with him, Milan’s title ambitions become more than a distant dream. He noted that while Milan have lost a key figure in Theo, the competition for places across the squad is stronger, and with a few carefully chosen additions, the project becomes even more intriguing. In Nesta’s view, Modrić could be the catalyst that sustains Milan’s momentum as the season unfolds.
As for the bigger picture, Nesta offered his take on the Scudetto race. He believes Inter Milan currently has the strongest setup to handle the dual demands of domestic and European competition, while Napoli may face greater fatigue as they navigate multiple fronts. His verdict is pragmatic: Milan must stay grounded, avoid overreach, and build incrementally around Modrić, Leão, and a more cohesive engine room, trusting Allegri to keep the team balanced and hungry.
Finally, Nesta looked at the derby dynamics and the evolving identities of the two clubs. He praised Rafael Leão’s explosiveness and highlighted the need for Milan to maximize the contributions of players like Nkunku and Pulisic, while recognizing the value of a well-drilled midfield—especially with Modrić orchestrating play. He underscored that the match against Juventus is as much a test of Milan’s consistency as it is a statement about their ambitions for the season.
In closing, Nesta offered a candid snapshot of what lies ahead: a Milan side that is more complete than the one he knew, guided by a manager who can extract the maximum from a talented group, and with Modrić in the heart of the operation, a club that could be destined for longer, brighter runs than many expect.
Furthermore, the clash against Juventus is framed not just as a battle for three points but as a litmus test for Milan’s trajectory—whether they can translate talent into sustained success. If Modrić continues to influence the game in the way Nesta described, Milan fans could be looking at a period where the Rossoneri feel they’ve found a new, enduring rhythm.
Punchlines aside, if Modrić plays on into his 70s, Milan may need a clubhouse of senior citizens to keep up with him. And if Milan clinches the Scudetto, I’ll finally stop pretending I didn’t hear the victory chants coming from the San Siro crowd earlier—because apparently, they’ll have been right all along.
