soccer updates: Modric opens Milan spell with goal

Luka Modric scored his first goal for AC Milan in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Bologna, the veteran star making his mark at the San Siro days after turning 40 years old.

Modric, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, netted the winning goal at the end of a flowing move he started in midfield before meeting Alexis Saelemaekers’ low cross with a perfect first-time finish.

The six-time Champions League winner, who arrived at Milan as a free agent after 13 years at Real Madrid, wheeled away in delight at the decisive strike in a match which ended with coach Massimiliano Allegri sent off for his furious reaction at the hosts not being given a late penalty.

New signing Christopher Nkunku looked set to have a chance at scoring his first Milan goal from the penalty spot seconds after replacing Santiago Gimenez when he went down under challenges from Jhon Lucumi and then Remo Freuler.

But after looking at the pitch-side monitor referee Matteo Marcenaro overruled his own decision to give the spot-kick for the Freuler foul which sent Allegri into a rage on the touchline, his rant to officials costing him a red card.

Sunday’s was also a successful start for new arrival Adrien Rabiot with an impressive performance alongside Modric in midfield for Milan, who also struck the woodwork three times.

However, his fellow France international Mike Maignan was forced to limp off with what Milan have confirmed is a problem with his right calf, the latest in a long line of injuries for Les Bleus’ goalkeeper.

Milan’s first home win of the season moved them fifth, level on six points with Cremonese and Roma who fell to a shock 1-0 home defeat to Torino earlier on Sunday.