Modric nets first Milan goal as 40-year-old in 1-0 win over Bologna

Luka Modric scored his first AC Milan goal on Sunday, a late second-half strike that secured a 1-0 win over Bologna at San Siro, but the match ended in controversy after a potential stoppage-time penalty was overturned by VAR and coach Massimiliano Allegri was sent off. The result gave Milan back-to-back Serie A victories at home and moved them to six points early in the season.

The decisive moment came in the 61st minute when Modric collected a square pass from Alexis Saelemaekers and swept a composed first-time finish into the net. The goal was the Croatia international's first for Milan and, at 40 years and five days old, made him the oldest midfielder to score in Serie A, surpassing a long-standing club record, according to Opta. Modric, who celebrated his 40th birthday this week, said after the match that he hoped people would not keep reminding him of his age and credited Saelemaekers for the assist.

Milan dominated long stretches and repeatedly troubled the woodwork, with reports differing on the exact number of times the frame was struck. Some outlets counted at least three instances, while others recorded four. New signing Adrien Rabiot produced a lively midfield...