Bierhoff Highlights Modric's Subtle Tactic in Milan's Derby Triumph Over Inter

Oliver Bierhoff has expressed confidence in AC Milan's capacity to overcome their seven-point deficit against Serie A leaders Inter before the season concludes. The former Milan forward also pointed out a clever tactical maneuver executed by Luka Modric towards the end of Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina.

Milan secured a crucial 1-0 victory over table-topping Inter on Sunday evening, marking their second win against their city rivals this season. This result narrowed the gap to seven points with just ten matches remaining in the Serie A campaign.

The pressing question now on everyone’s minds is whether the Rossoneri possess the resilience and form required to bridge this gap by the end of the season.

Bierhoff Assesses Milan’s Scudetto Chances and Praises Modric’s Impact

Bierhoff, who was part of the Rossoneri squad that famously mounted a late comeback in the 1998-99 campaign to snatch the Scudetto from Lazio on the final day, recalled their secret: "Simple: We believed and we put together a resounding string of victories," he stated. "That's the reality. Nobody made any calculations; we were only focused on ourselves and were convinced that while doing that, Lazio would have some missteps."

Despite the growing optimism among fans, head coach Massimiliano Allegri continues to insist that qualification for next season’s Champions League remains Milan’s sole focus, rather than a late push for the Serie A title.

"In my opinion, there’s no need to make predictions, and Allegri is right to continue talking about achieving the Champions League goal first," Bierhoff commented. "Milan must return to Europe first and foremost; that’s important, and then think about the rest. It's the right thing to keep the team focused on the short-term goal."

Bierhoff also offered his post-match analysis of Milan’s recent derby victory over Inter: "I saw a motivated team in the derby, full of confidence, and they had an excellent first half. They might have dropped a little too deep in the second, but they resisted effectively. It’s clear that they’re well-organised, despite facing Inter, and show a willingness to suffer."

When asked about the biggest ‘threat’ to Milan heading into the final stretch of the season, Bierhoff identified: "The anxiety of having to make up ground. When you’re behind and you can’t slip up, it’s understandable that there’s a little bit more tension. However, it looks to me as though neither Allegri nor the group of players lacks the necessary experience."

Bierhoff expressed particular admiration for the performances of former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric this season: "Champions remain champions at all ages, and I was convinced that he would prove that when he signed for Milan. I’m not surprised by his ability or the confidence he has on the pitch, but just look at how much he runs." He then highlighted a specific moment: "On Sunday, in the final few minutes, he took a yellow card for protesting after trying to recover the ball near the opposition area. I think he knew that he needed to break up the rhythm of the match to defend the result. He helps out in both phases of the game and he’s turned out to be a great acquisition."

Bierhoff has no doubt that Milan should offer Modric an extension to his one-year contract: "For the good of Milan and for Italian football, I say yes. There’s nobody else like Modric out there."

Bierhoff also shared his thoughts on Milan’s attacking players for the 2025-26 season. On Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, he commented: "You will see that their goals will come. I’m also convinced that my compatriot Füllkrug will score too. He’s a good guy who has useful characteristics."