Luka Modrić Records First Goal Contribution as AC Milan Defeat Lecce

AC Milan got their Serie A campaign back on track on Friday night with a crucial 2–0 victory over Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare, and the spotlight firmly fell on Luka Modrić, who recorded his first-ever goal contribution for the Rossoneri.

The 39-year-old Croatian maestro, making just his second appearance for Milan since joining in the summer, showed his trademark brilliance in the 66th minute. With the game locked at 0–0, Modrić stepped up over a free-kick and delivered a perfectly weighted cross that Ruben Loftus-Cheek powered home with a bullet header. It was a moment of magic from the veteran midfielder that reminded everyone why he has been regarded as one of the finest playmakers of his generation.

That assist also etched Modrić’s name into Serie A history. At 39 years and 354 days old, he became the oldest midfielder to register an assist in the Italian top flight since records began in 2004–05. For a player whose career was expected to wind down years ago, Modrić continues to defy the odds, proving that experience, vision, and technique can still outshine youthful energy.

Before the breakthrough, Milan had endured a frustrating evening in Puglia. Twice they had the ball in the net, only for VAR to intervene. First, Matteo Gabbia thought he had given Milan the lead, but the defender’s strike was ruled out for offside. Minutes later, new signing Santiago Giménez celebrated what he thought was his debut goal, only for the technology to deny him as well. Those setbacks threatened to drain the Rossoneri’s confidence, but the team’s persistence finally paid off.

Once Loftus-Cheek opened the scoring, the momentum shifted completely in Milan’s favor. Lecce, who had defended bravely for much of the game, began to lose their shape and struggled to contain the waves of red and black attacks. It was then that Christian Pulisic, introduced from the bench, made his mark. In the 86th minute, the American pounced on a defensive error and calmly slotted the ball past the Lecce goalkeeper to seal the victory.

The double strike — Modrić’s assist for Loftus-Cheek and Pulisic’s late clincher — gave Milan exactly what they needed: their first win of the season. For head coach Massimiliano Allegri, it was a timely response to critics who had questioned his team after a disappointing 2–1 opening-day loss to Cremonese. Allegri, who paced the touchline all evening, cut a visibly relieved figure at the final whistle, knowing his team had avoided what could have been a disastrous start to their campaign.

Beyond the result, Modrić’s influence was the real story of the night. His ability to slow the game down, control the tempo, and deliver when it mattered most gave Milan the creative edge they had been lacking in their opener. Even at his age, the Croatian remains a difference-maker, and his presence in the dressing room is expected to be just as valuable as his contributions on the pitch.

For Loftus-Cheek, the goal was another important milestone. It marked his 50th Serie A appearance and his first league goal since March 2024. The Englishman’s partnership with Modrić in midfield could become a key weapon for Allegri as the season unfolds, particularly in matches where Milan are forced to break down stubborn defensive blocks.

Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic’s impact off the bench underlined Milan’s depth in attack. The American winger, who has battled injuries in recent seasons, looked sharp and decisive. His late strike not only secured the points but also showcased the competition for attacking roles in Allegri’s squad — something that could push the entire forward line to greater heights.

For Milan supporters, the night will be remembered as the moment Modrić truly announced himself in Serie A. Though doubts surrounded his move at nearly 40 years old, his assist against Lecce proved that class is permanent. As the Rossoneri look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, the combination of veteran wisdom and youthful energy may just provide the balance they need to challenge both domestically and in Europe.

Ultimately, the win was more than just three points. It was a statement that AC Milan, with Modrić pulling the strings and Allegri steering from the sidelines, are determined to recover from early setbacks and push toward the top of the table. For now, the message is clear: write Luka Modrić off at your own risk.