Modric expected to start first Serie A match for Milan | OneFootball

Luka Modric is expected to start for Milan in the Serie A opener against Cremonese on Saturday, with Max Allegri leaning towards a change of tactics.

It kicks off at San Siro on Saturday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The Rossoneri have already made their competitive debut this season with a 2-0 Coppa Italia victory over Bari last week.

This will be their first Serie A match and Allegri still has plenty of choices to make, even if he will be without injured Rafael Leao.

Modric ready for first Milan start

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Luka Modric of AC Milan controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on August 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)

According to Sky Sport Italia, La Gazzetta dello Sport and more, the coach is ready to put new signing Modric in from the start, preferring him to fellow purchase Samuele Ricci.

Ardon Jashari arrived late from Club Brugge and so will not be risked in the starting XI.

Another thing Allegri needs to decide is the tactical system, as he used both the 4-3-3 and the 3-5-2 in pre-season.

The latest reports point towards a 3-5-2 for this game against Cremonese, although realistically the same players could mutate into four at the back.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 31: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan in action during the match between Perth Glory and AC Milan at HBF Park on July 31, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

This is thanks to the versatility of Pervis Estupinan on one flank and Alexis Saelemaekers on the other.

Christian Pulisic in turn can be a support striker for Santiago Gimenez, or part of a wider trident attack.

Probable Milan line-up

Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek, Modric, Fofana; Saelemaekers, Gimenez, Pulisic