The new Milan is ready to begin
Tomorrow evening, at 8:45 PM, the Rossoneri will make their league debut at the Olimpico Grande Torino against Ignazio Abate‘s side. On the eve of the match, Rúben Amorim presented a team still under construction but with one clear objective already declared: to fight for the Scudetto once again.
The Portuguese coach, in his first press conference ahead of an official Serie A fixture, invited everyone not to expect the definitive Milan just yet. «More than seeing the first team of Ruben Amorim, it will be important to see a team that looks like Milan», the concept expressed by the manager, who asks his players to think as a group and progressively build a new identity.
«We want more possession and to become a family»
The path is set: a Milan more in control of the ball and capable of imposing its own principles. «We want to have more ball possession», explained Amorim, adding that the process will take time. The immediate objective is to build a team, a «family», without expecting to see tomorrow already the final product of the work started in the summer.
Yet, when it comes to ambitions, the coach does not hide. «Milan’s objective must always be to win the Scudetto», said Amorim, while acknowledging that there is still a gap from Inter today. A realistic assessment, yet accompanied by the conviction that Milan can beat any opponent.
Torino, a real test right away
The debut against Torino therefore represents a first major test. Amorim shifted the focus from his own team to the opponent, going as far as calling Torino «the best club in the world» in a motivational sense: according to the coach, the Granata last season took on the big clubs with personality, while struggling more against sides that were on paper inferior.
A particularly special challenge also for Torino’s new manager, Ignazio Abate, in his first Serie A season and immediately called to face the club where he built such an important part of his career.
Leão will not be available
The most important team news concerns Rafael Leão. Amorim confirmed that the Portuguese forward will not be available: «He is injured, he is not training and tomorrow he will not be at our disposal».
A situation that inevitably intertwines with the transfer rumours that continue to circulate around the Portuguese winger, but Amorim preferred not to fuel the issue: on the eve of the opener, the priority is Torino.
Also absent, alongside Leão, are Santiago Gimenez and Christian Pulisic, while Matteo Gabbia is fit again.
Moreira ready to make his debut
Among the most anticipated new faces is Diego Moreira, who arrived in recent weeks and was immediately included in the new coach’s plans. Amorim also clarified the Portuguese player’s tactical role: he will be used mainly as a wing-back, a position in which the manager sees him best.
A choice that also reflects the tactical transformation of Amorim’s Milan, built around a system in which the wide players play a fundamental role.
Cissé impresses, Gabbia is the symbol
Among the young players who impressed the coach during pre-season is Cissé. Amorim admitted to appreciating him greatly, joking about the risk that the young player might «let it go to his head» after the public praise.
But the most significant statement came about Matteo Gabbia. For Amorim, the defender represents «the best of Milan’s values», in the way he behaves, speaks and trains. A major endorsement for a player who came through the Rossoneri academy and is set to have a significant role in the new team.
Chukwueze and the new identity
Amorim also spoke about Samuel Chukwueze, considered a possible wing-back option. According to the coach, the Nigerian has the right spirit to sacrifice himself defensively as well, even though he is not yet the classic Italian-style wide midfielder. His performance against Manchester United, however, provided encouraging signs.
Amorim’s first Milan, therefore, heads to Torino with many questions still open, a squad in evolution and several players yet to be fully placed in the new system. But with one certainty: the manager does not want a passive, wait-and-see Milan.
The first answer will come on the pitch. Sunday evening, at 8:45 PM, the new Milan begins its season against Torino. And Amorim has already set the bar: the Scudetto.
