Italians divided on Modrić: Praise his class, but warn about one thing

Zagreb – Luka Modrić's contribution to AC Milan's recent 2-0 victory against Venezia has sparked a nuanced discussion among Italian sports media, revealing high expectations for the Croatian captain. While Modrić played 74 minutes and was part of a winning effort, his performance was met with a spectrum of opinions, ranging from praise for his innate footballing intelligence to concerns about his current physical condition.

Most Italian outlets awarded Modrić a rating of six out of ten. La Repubblica acknowledged his ability to read the game but pointed out a moment where he lost possession, leading to a dangerous counter-attack for Venezia. Eurosport offered a more colorful description, comparing Modrić to a "professor" regaining his lecture hall, commending his spatial awareness and organizational skills. They concluded that while his physical level may not be at its maximum, his footballing quality is already evident.

La Gazzetta dello Sport emphasized Modrić's significance in Milan's build-up play, noting his high involvement in ball distribution during the first half when Milan dominated possession. The publication also observed his effective positioning alongside Yunus Musah in controlling the midfield. However, the same outlet suggested that Modrić was below his usual standard on the day, particularly at the time of his substitution.

Similar caution was echoed by SportMediaset, which raised questions about whether a player in his late thirties can consistently match the intense demands of coach Ruben Amorim's tactics. Despite these concerns, they acknowledged that age has not diminished Modrić's core strengths, especially his mastery of set pieces.

Corriere della Sera was notably more critical, rating Modrić as disappointing, though they added that the fans seem to forgive him. This sentiment underscores the elevated expectations placed upon the veteran midfielder. Italian media now view Modrić not just as an experienced player providing reliable distribution, but as a key figure expected to orchestrate Milan's overall game. The consensus is clear: while Modrić against Venezia may not have been his absolute best, his influence remains undeniable.