Tuttosport: 58 trophies combined – Modric vs. De Bruyne a big Milan-Napoli sub-plot

Within AC Milan versus Napoli there are many fascinating sub-plots, and one of them is the battle between two midfield maestri.

As Tuttosport (via MilanNews) report this morning, the big game at San Siro will pit not only two great coaches in Massimiliano Allegri against Antonio Conte, but also the two most decorated players in Serie A.

Between them, the two have won 58 trophies in their careers, with the Croatian midfielder having 34 and the Belgian 24. Most came with Real Madrid and with Manchester City, two clubs that have become so accustomed to winning the biggest honours.

The shining lights

Much of tomorrow night’s match will depend on Modric and De Bruyne, given that they are the creative beacons of their respective teams and have been since their arrival.

Massimiliano Allegri has placed Modric quite literally at the heart of his Milan side since the opening match, and he responded not only with excellent performances, but also with the winning goal in the match at San Siro against Bologna.

Photos: Marco Luzzani + Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images

Antonio Conte also immediately focused on De Bruyne, who has already scored twice against Sassuolo and Fiorentina. We’re talking about two absolute champions who have decided to come to Italy to play in the final stages of their careers.

Despite being 40 and 34 respectively, their quality remains the same, and in their first Serie A matches, they’ve already shown they can still make a difference. Tomorrow night, many eyes will be on them, and as soon as they get the ball at their feet, everyone will expect things to happen.

After all, both Modric and De Bruyne have shown great things in their long careers, now it’s time for Italian football to enjoy them at La Scala del Calcio.