The former Rossoneri midfielder: “Like Andrea, Luka is a former attacking midfielder who has been able to reinvent himself in another role. He brings calmness, with him everything is easier and the defense…”

With a superb midfield and the progress guaranteed by Massimiliano Allegri’s work, Milan must aim for the Scudetto. Demetrio Albertini, former Rossoneri midfielder and Italian international, has no doubts: this season will be very different for the Diavolo compared to last season.

Albertini, the championship has just begun, but by winning three games in a row, has Milan sent a message about the Scudetto?

“Milan cannot, but must fight for the Scudetto. When you wear the Rossoneri jersey, you are obliged to aim for the top, even to understand what you are missing the following year. Managing the moments during the season is an unknown for everyone, but these first few games have made it clear that the Diavolo can stay at the top.”

How much credit does Allegri deserve?

“He knows how to win and how to build something. If you have a solid group that follows you and works well, it’s easier to convey your tactical beliefs. Against Bologna and in Udine, I saw a team with clear ideas.“

Is the key to everything the midfield, which commands the pace with Modric and Rabiot?

”In the middle, Milan has one of the strongest departments in the league. I’d say it’s on a par with Napoli. Allegri may be lacking something in attack, but in midfield he has already found the right balance between young and old. And by old, I am clearly referring to that champion called Modric.”

Did you expect such an impact from the 40-year-old Croatian Ballon d’Or winner?

“Modric has brought calm and serenity to the group. Only a great champion playing in that role can get his teammates to perform above expectations. With Luka, everything is easier. Both for the young players and the new ones.“

On Saturday, when he left the field, the entire stadium in Udine applauded him. A nice gesture.

”It has happened to Modric before, and rightly so, because rivalry is one thing, but recognizing the value of a champion is another. He has done so much for soccer and still delights with his play.“

In front of the defense, he is a spectacle.

”Modric doesn’t have to chase opponents, but give meaning to the maneuver. He needs midfielders who are there for him, and he dictates the pass. You can’t ask him to have the physical stamina of a 20-year-old or to run for 90 minutes. But with those feet, he makes the difference.“

The last Rossoneri playmaker with this quality was a certain Andrea Pirlo.

”The comparison between the two holds up, and it’s no coincidence that they are two attacking midfielders who, during their careers, dropped back to put their quality at the service of the team. First, the number 10s, from Platini to Giannini, were protected by midfielders and stayed high up the pitch, then players like Ancelotti and myself were used in the middle, who could play both as defensive midfielders and playmakers. Pirlo changed football in that role, and now Milan has another champion in front of the defense.”

Rabiot also impressed in Udine, among the best even on his debut with Bologna. Did you expect him to be so decisive right away?

“Of course, because he knows Allegri and speaks his same football language. Having him has helped the group to better understand what the coach expects: that’s why Max asked the club so strongly for him. I would have been surprised if Rabiot hadn’t played so well right away: he’s 30 years old, he knows our league, and he’s what we were missing.“

Fofana is perfect to complete the department.

”Exactly. And if he scores like he did in Udine… The Frenchman has important qualities, and with Modric and Rabiot, he can showcase them more easily.”