After the clear home victory over Lecce, Milan midfielder Luka Modric has again been called up to the Croatia camp, as has been the case for about twenty years.

However, the 41‑year‑old’s age requires a careful and attentive management of his physical energy. The first to wish that Zagreb takes his identity into account is Milan coach Ruben Amorim, eager to have the ’85 class at peak condition after the break.

The Croatian side led by Bilic has four high‑level Nations League fixtures: it starts on Saturday with an away match in the Czech Republic, then on Tuesday faces World champions Spain. The two home games on 3 and 6 October will be against England and again against Lamine Yamal and his teammates. Four decisive matches in which the former Real Madrid star’s experience will be crucial both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Amorim’s plan and Luka’s desire to play

At Milan the hope is that Modric also has space to rest on the bench, guiding teammates without spending precious energy in costly runs. After the international break, Milan will face a tight tour de force of league and cup matches, and Amorim absolutely needs a 100 % Modric.

The logical plan imagined by the staff would see him start in the Czech Republic, have a rest turn in Spain, and then calmly assess the best management between the England clash and the return against the Spaniards. However, the Croatian star still needs to be convinced: as coach Bilic reminded, “Modric does not want to be a substitute”. The midfielder wants to always be on the field, both with his national team shirt and with Milan’s.