Albertini compares Modric to Pirlo as Milan ‘must fight’ for Scudetto

“Milan cannot just compete; they must fight for the Scudetto. When you wear the Rossoneri shirt, you are obliged to aim for the maximum,” he told Gazzetta.

“Managing key moments during the season is unknown for everyone, but these first matches have shown that the Devil can stay at the top.”

Allegri was appointed as the new coach over the summer and Albertini credited the Italian tactician for the team’s positive results so far.

“He knows how to win and how to build something,” said the Milan legend.

“If you have a solid group that follows you and works well, transmitting your tactical belief is much easier. Against Bologna and Udinese, I saw a team with clear ideas.”

Milan will host defending champions Napoli at San Siro on Sunday.

“Milan have one of the best midfields in Serie A. They’re on par with Napoli,” said Albertini.

“Maybe Allegri is missing something in attack, but in midfield, they have already found a balance between young players and veterans.”

Talking of veterans, Modric has surely increased the quality in the middle of the park for the Rossoneri, and Albertini is delighted with the Croat’s performances.

“He has brought calm and composure to the group. Only a great champion who plays in that role can make his teammates perform above expectations,” he said.

“With Luka, everything becomes simpler, both for young players and newcomers.

“Modric doesn’t need to chase opponents, but rather to give meaning to the build-up play. He needs midfielders who make themselves available, and he dictates the passes. You can’t expect him to have the stamina of a 20-year-old or to run for 90 minutes, but with his feet, he makes the difference.”

Asked whether Modric has brought the same quality as Pirlo over a decade ago, Albertini said: “The comparison holds up, and it’s no coincidence that they are both attacking midfielders who, during their careers, dropped deeper to put their quality at the service of the team. Before, the No.10s, from Platini to Giannini, were protected by holding midfielders and played higher up.

“Then we saw players like Ancelotti and me, who could both win back the ball and act as playmakers. Pirlo, in that role, changed football, and now Milan have another champion playing in front of the defence.”