Amorim’s Tactical Balancing Act
AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim is navigating a challenging period, with the team preparing to host Lecce in Serie A following a disappointing Europa League opener. Amorim’s priority, as reported by [1], is to enhance the team’s style of play and instill a stronger fighting spirit. This comes after Milan’s 2-0 home defeat to Benfica in the Europa League, a match that saw significant squad rotation and a performance described as sluggish and lacking intensity [2]. Despite the recent setback, Amorim’s position is not under immediate threat, with owner Gerry Cardinale still viewing him as the right man for a long-term project [3]. The coach has also indicated a willingness to adapt his tactics, acknowledging that some new signings might not fit his initial system [4]. This flexibility will be crucial as Milan seeks to regain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
Squad Rotation and Player Returns
The upcoming match against Lecce is expected to see several key players return to the starting lineup. Christian Pulisic, Luka Modrić, and Adrien Rabiot are all anticipated to start, according to [1]. Pulisic, who has made only two substitute appearances in 2026-27 Serie A and Europa League matches, was notably left out of the USMNT squad for the international break, suggesting a focus on his club commitments [5]. In contrast, Yunus Musah has been a consistent starter for AC Milan this season, even ahead of Modrić at times [5]. The Europa League match against Benfica saw Amorim rotate his squad heavily, giving Omari Hutchinson and Filippo Terracciano their first starts of the season [6]. Gonçalo Ramos, Milan’s most expensive summer signing, started against Benfica but has faced scrutiny for his goal-scoring record, with only one goal in four Serie A appearances [7]. His performance against Benfica, where he lost possession 16 times, has further fueled concerns [8].
European Disappointment and Domestic Ambitions
AC Milan’s recent 2-0 defeat to Benfica in the Europa League marked their first loss of the 2026-27 season and extended their winless streak across all competitions to three games [4]. The team’s struggles to score in the first half of matches have been a recurring theme, with all but one of their goals in the first five games coming within a five-minute spell in the second half [2]. This lack of early intensity was highlighted by Amorim after the Benfica game [9]. Despite the European setback, Milan remains unbeaten in Serie A, a fact that offers some solace amidst the recent challenges [3]. The focus now shifts to maintaining their strong domestic form as they prepare for the visit of Lecce to San Siro. Off the pitch, AC Milan’s owners, RedBird, are pushing forward with plans for a new stadium, with the iconic San Siro set to be demolished by 2031 to make way for a modern, multi-functional venue [10].
What it means
AC Milan currently sits in 6th position in Serie A with 8 points from four matches, having secured two wins and two draws. Their domestic form shows resilience, with an unbeaten record in the league (W2 D2 L0) and a goal difference of +3 (7 goals scored, 4 conceded). However, the recent 2-0 loss to Benfica in the Europa League highlights a potential vulnerability, especially given the squad rotation and performance issues noted by coach Amorim. The upcoming fixture against Lecce at San Siro provides an immediate opportunity for Milan to bounce back and solidify their position in the top half of the Serie A table. A strong performance will be crucial to regain confidence and demonstrate the fighting spirit Amorim is keen to instill.
Sources
- Football Italia: Two Amorim priorities after Cardinale talks as Pulisic set for first Milan start of 2026-27 football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Saelemaekers: ‘Milan have no excuse’ for 2-0 defeat to Benfica football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Amorim not at immediate risk of Milan sack despite Cardinale crunch talks football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Amorim appears to change stance on Milan transfers after Benfica defeat football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Pulisic left out of USMNT squad but Musah returns after World Cup snub football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: UEL | Milan 0-2 Benfica: Nightmare start to Europa League football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Goncalo Ramos: ‘I don’t feel pressure of being most expensive Milan player’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Gonçalo Ramos’ stats fuel fears of Milan’s No. 9 curse football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Amorim: ‘Milan not in the game during first half, I’m ready to adapt’ football-italia.net ↩
- The Guardian: Alessandro Costacurta: ‘San Siro is an icon – it’s incredibly beautiful but it’s not functional’ theguardian.com ↩
