Jul 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid CF midfielder Luka Modric (10) looks on against Paris Saint-Germain during the second half during a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Luka Modric’s First Serie A Goal Secures Narrow AC Milan Win Over Bologna

Luka Modric rolled back the years at the San Siro on Sunday evening. Just days after celebrating his 40th birthday, the veteran midfielder scored his first Serie A goal for AC Milan in a 1-0 victory over Bologna. Milan dominated the first half but were left frustrated as Pervis Estupinan and Ruben Loftus-Cheek both struck the woodwork.

The breakthrough finally came on the hour mark, with Luka Modric orchestrating the move from midfield. The former Real Madrid midfielder then arrived in the box to meet Alexis Saelemaekers’ low cross and finished with trademark precision past Lukasz Skorupski. The Croatian legend, who joined Milan as a free agent after 13 years at Real Madrid, celebrated wildly with teammates.

Another three points secured 👏

Brought to you by @Bitpanda_global pic.twitter.com/gFkuYHJEyF
— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 14, 2025

The six-time Champions League winner’s strike proved decisive in a tense contest that also saw Christopher Nkunku make his debut. The French forward thought he had won a penalty within seconds of coming on, but VAR overturned the decision.

Adrien Rabiot Impresses on Debut

Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri was ultimately sent to the stands for his angry protests after referee Matteo Marcenaro rescinded the penalty, having reviewed Remo Freuler’s challenge on Nkunku. Despite the controversy, Milan held firm. New signing Adrien Rabiot also impressed on his debut alongside Modric in midfield. The victory also saw Milan hit the woodwork three times, underlining their dominance despite the narrow scoreline.

How impressive was this man tonight? 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/pqHtLhVi6g
— AC Milan (@acmilan) September 14, 2025

Also Read: Lamine Yamal Injury Update: What Happened and How Many Games Will He Miss?

It marked the Rossoneri’s first home win of the season, lifting them to fifth in the Serie A table on six points, level with Cremonese and Roma. Earlier in the day, Roma suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to Torino.

Notably, former Marseille teammates Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe faced each other for the first time since their locker room altercation that led to both players leaving Marseille last month. Rabiot featured from the start for Milan, while Rowe entered as a second-half substitute for Bologna.

Also Read: Alexis Max Allister Injury Update: What Did Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Say?

Jonathan Rowe rentre sur le terrain… et le caméraman va tout droit sur Adrien Rabiot 😅#MilanBologna pic.twitter.com/FYdTG050wM
— Guillaume Pacini (@Guillaumemp) September 14, 2025

AC Milan

AC Milan vs Bologna

Bologna

Luka Modric

Massimiliano Allegri

Serie A

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.