Modric calls on Milan to turn derby momentum into a title challenge

Luka Modric has urged AC Milan to build on their 3-1 victory over Inter after describing the derby success as potentially their best performance of the season.

Milan produced a commanding display at San Siro, scoring twice inside the opening 10 minutes through Christian Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot. Alessandro Bastoni pulled one back for Inter with a header, but Diego Moreira restored Milan’s two-goal advantage with an excellent free-kick before half-time.

Speaking to CBS Sports after the match, Modric said Milan had delivered the response they needed following their midweek setback against Bologna.

“It’s an amazing win and a great performance,” the Croatia midfielder said, as reported by Goal. “From the first minute, I think it was perhaps our best game of the season. Overall, we deserved to win and we are very happy after the disappointing result against Bologna.”

Modric was also asked about helping Milan’s younger players deal with a difficult week. He said the squad had to concentrate on the next challenge rather than dwell on the previous game.

“You have to be positive. You cannot complain too much about the previous match because you know the next one comes quickly,” he said.

The 21 points Milan have collected from their opening 10 Serie A matches moved them up to fourth place. The victory also reduced their deficit to the joint leaders, Inter and Lazio, to four points.

Modric acknowledged that Milan were still adapting to new tactical ideas, a process that could lead to fluctuations in both performances and results. However, he warned that the team would have to limit avoidable defeats if they were to challenge for major honours.

“We are developing as a team and there are new ideas in the way we play,” he added. “Sometimes there will be ups and downs, but we have to try to reduce the bad periods as much as possible if we want to win titles.”

The former Croatia international also praised the atmosphere inside San Siro, saying the supporters had played their part from before kick-off.

“Tonight, from the warm-up, the fans were fantastic, and this kind of atmosphere helps you achieve more victories,” Modric said.

Milan, managed by Ruben Amorim, will now look to carry their derby momentum into their next fixture when they host Hungarian side Ferencvarosi in the Europa League. The match offers them an opportunity to secure another home win as they continue their pursuit of the Serie A leaders.

The fixture listings also include Feyenoord in the Champions League on 03 November 2026 and Inter v Milan in the Europa League on 05 November 2026.