Last year, Luka won, with Hakan even having a penalty saved by Maignan. It was the first derby of the season, because the Turk was absent for the return fixture. Milan and Inter were different teams from today.
Modric, rather than a playmaker in front of the defence, was an extra-luxurious protective shield; Calhanoglu was operating as usual around the edge of the opposition penalty area, but Chivu's football did not yet have the aggressiveness and attacking inclination it has now. Under Amorim, the Croatian is called upon to build play further forward compared to his first year with Allegri on the bench: more of a classic deep-lying playmaker, with the consequences that come with it (a larger area of the pitch to cover, greater involvement in attacking moves). Calha, despite doubts about his future (his contract with the Nerazzurri expires at the end of the season) has already scored three goals.
The duel is all about this: Lukita will have to manage to cover and pick up Hakan around the 30-metre mark, while participating more in the Rossoneri's attacking raids; for his part, the Turk will have to maintain his usual level of danger, while at the same time disrupting the masterful passing play of his opposite number. Certainly, part of the derby will be decided by the battle between the brains of the two teams, writes La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
Modric and Calhanoglu's destinies
Modric could have played for Inter, who tried to prise him away from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018; Milan brought Calha to Italy in 2017, before losing him on a free transfer in 2021 following a surprise move by Marotta and Ausilio. Hakan has already scored three goals as a "hated" former player, while Luka, across Tottenham, Real Madrid and Milan, has won all of his last seven direct encounters with the Nerazzurri.
The Variables
The support of Musah and Rabiot for Modric will be fundamental, as Amorim must avoid leaving him too isolated in the defensive phase. Calhanoglu, meanwhile, has a weapon with which he can cause damage at any moment of the match, regardless of who wins the duel with the former Ballon d'Or winner: set pieces. From corners to free kicks, all the way to penalties. Maignan permitting...
