The 40-year-old midfielder who continues to lead their title charge with remarkable consistency. Modric, along with Rafael Leao and the in-form Olivier Giroud, remains central to Milan's hopes of climbing above their rivals before Roma face Napoli on Sunday.

Modric has started all twelve league matches so far and has completed the full ninety minutes in the last eleven. Only on the opening day against Cremonese did he come off late in the second half. He has already played more than one thousand minutes in Serie A this season, a level of output unmatched by any other forty-year-old in Europe's top five leagues.

Across world football, only Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia and Thiago Silva in Brazil offer similar durability, but neither are doing it in a top European competition. When Milan signed Modric on a free transfer in June, they knew they were adding a world-class leader fresh from another heavy-minutes campaign with Real Madrid. What they did not expect was this level of influence. "Luka gives us balance, calm and quality," Massimiliano Allegri has said. "He lifts everyone around him."

Modric's partnership with Adrien Rabiot has been one of Milan's major strengths this season, combining intelligence, physicality and experience. It has helped the club re-establish themselves among the title contenders after finishing eighth in 2024-25. They have already beaten Napoli, Roma and Inter, and drawn away to Juventus, results that reflect a sharper mentality under Allegri. The coach has stressed repeatedly that tonight is "a real test of maturity" following the emotional derby win.

Lazio arrive with a midfield built around Matteo Guendouzi, Matías Vecino and Toma Basic, all ready to press Modric and Rabiot aggressively. Sarri's side won at San Siro last March and remain dangerous despite a restricted summer window.

Modric is also set to face former Barcelona winger Pedro, a familiar opponent from their Clasico battles. The Croatian remains decisive in the final third, having already scored against Bologna and provided key creative contributions. Leao, who has rediscovered his home form with three goals and an assist in his last three league matches at San Siro, will again look to Modric for service.

For Milan, tonight is about more than going top. It is another step in proving that the Scudetto chase is real. With Modric directing the play and Allegri restoring discipline at Milanello, belief in a push for the second star continues to grow.

Nigeria's William Troost-Ekong retires from international football