Modric: Milan ‘Deserved’ Bologna Defeat as Rossoneri’s Unbeaten Start Ends

FolioPitch.com – 29 October 2026 | AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric has offered a candid assessment of his side’s first Serie A defeat of the season, admitting that the Rossoneri got exactly what they deserved in a 4-2 home loss to Bologna on Wednesday night. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the match, Modric says Milan deserved defeat against Bologna We didn t expect it, particularly given the promising first-half display that preceded a second-half collapse at San Siro. The result ended Milan’s unbeaten start to the campaign and served as a sharp reality check for Ruben Amorim‘s side.

The match unfolded in dramatic fashion, with Milan appearing comfortable for much of the opening period before Bologna seized control after the interval. Modric, who started on the bench and was introduced at half-time to replace the injured Fikayo Tomori, watched from the sidelines as the visitors capitalised on a series of lost duels and a costly set-piece goal that shifted the momentum irrevocably. Reflecting on the turnaround, Modric says Milan deserved defeat against Bologna We didn t expect it, especially after the way the team had performed in the first half.

Second-Half Collapse Proves Costly

According to the veteran Croatian midfielder, the game slipped away from Milan as Bologna dominated the physical battles and punished the hosts from a set-piece situation. Modric was blunt in his evaluation, noting that the team threw away their advantage and ultimately deserved to lose. “We lost so many duels in the second half,” he explained. “That set-piece goal was unfortunate, and from that moment we threw ourselves down. We deserved to lose.”

The 41-year-old also dismissed any suggestion that injuries could serve as an excuse for the performance. While acknowledging that the squad has been stretched by fitness issues, Modric emphasised that the players on the pitch were capable of better and that the responsibility for the result lies with the team. His comments underline a sense of accountability within the dressing room as Milan look to respond quickly to their first setback of the season.

Modric Sees Progress Under Amorim

Despite the disappointment, Modric struck an optimistic tone regarding Milan’s direction under new coach Ruben Amorim. The midfielder explained that the Portuguese tactician has arrived with fresh ideas and a new style of play, and that the squad is still in the process of adapting to his demands. Modric says Milan deserved defeat against Bologna We didn t expect it, but he also insisted that the team’s overall trajectory remains positive after a strong start to the league campaign.

“I think we are going the right way,” Modric said. “The coach has arrived with new ideas, with a new style of play, and we are trying to understand his ideas and what he asks of us. We had done well until tonight. You can always do more, but we still need to improve, and we hope to do it during the season.” The veteran’s measured outlook suggests that Milan’s dressing room remains united behind Amorim despite the painful nature of the Bologna defeat.

Table Position and Immediate Response

The loss leaves Milan fifth in the Serie A standings with 18 points from nine matches, comprising five wins, three draws and one defeat. While the points tally represents a solid start, the manner of the Bologna loss has raised questions about the team’s ability to manage games when momentum shifts against them. The Rossoneri will have little time to dwell on the result, however, with a city derby against Inter Milan scheduled for Saturday.

Modric highlighted the quick turnaround as a positive factor, noting that the next game arrives immediately and offers his teammates a chance to react. “We have no excuses,” he added. “There have been injuries, but it’s a positive that the next game is right away. We had done really well until tonight, so we must stay optimistic and hope to react on Saturday.” The derby against Inter now takes on added significance as Milan seek to restore confidence and prove that the Bologna setback was an anomaly rather than a sign of deeper issues.

Conclusion

Milan’s 4-2 defeat to Bologna served as a sobering reminder that the Serie A season is long and unforgiving, and Modric’s honest reflections capture the mood within the camp. The midfielder’s willingness to accept responsibility, combined with his belief in Amorim’s project, offers a balanced perspective on a difficult night. As the Rossoneri prepare for the derby against Inter, the response will reveal much about their character and their ambitions for the campaign. For now, Modric says Milan deserved defeat against Bologna We didn t expect it, and the focus shifts to ensuring that such a performance is not repeated.