Milan Prepare for the Inter Derby: Amorim Shapes His First Starting Lineup
With the week of mourning for Franco Baresi still weighing on everyone’s hearts, AC Milan must now refocus on football. On August 5th, the Rossoneri face Inter Milan in a pre-season derby — a friendly, yes, but one with real implications for Ruben Amorim, who is busy moulding his side ahead of the Serie A opener.
The match against their city rivals is an important test. With roughly twenty days until the league kicks off — away to Torino — there’s no more room for casual warm-ups. Amorim will want answers about his players’ fitness and tactical understanding sooner rather than later.
Gonzalo Ramos Ready to Make His Bow — But Only in Cameo
One of the most anticipated names is Gonzalo Ramos, one of only two signings completed so far alongside Mario Gila. The Portuguese striker is expected to feature against Inter, though most likely only for a portion of the match. Amorim will look to ease him in carefully, assessing his physical condition and integrating him into the team’s shape gradually.
Mario Gila‘s availability is less certain. The central defender, recruited from Lazio, picked up a physical issue in the last friendly against Celtic. The coaching staff hope he will be fit, but he may not yet be ready for the derby.
Nkunku to Start? The Latest on the Lineup
On a more positive note, Christopher Nkunku appears to have recovered from his injury and could be in line for a starting role. The most likely scenario would see the Frenchman operating alongside Rafael Leão in the attacking midfield positions, with Gonzalo Ramos as the lone striker.
Still unavailable are Christian Pulisic, who continues his rehabilitation programme at Milanello, and Santiago Gimenez, the Mexican striker yet to recover from his own injury. Their absence temporarily reduces Amorim’s attacking options, though the coaching staff are wisely taking no risks ahead of the competitive season.
Midfield and Defence: Amorim’s Milan Takes Shape
In midfield, the partnership of Luka Modrić and Adrien Rabiot appears the most likely starting combination. The wide positions will be determined by players’ availability and fitness levels.
Amorim brings a clear tactical philosophy: a higher defensive line, more aggressive pressing, and a more direct approach in possession. These principles were recently confirmed by Strahinja Pavlović in an interview, in which the Serbian centre-back explained how the new defensive structure demands a different mindset from every player on the pitch.
If applied with the right balance, this approach could prove to be the key to making Milan more resilient in defensive transitions — an area of vulnerability in some recent seasons.
Transfer Business Remains Unfinished: Only Ramos and Gila So Far
The most pressing concern remains the transfer market. With August now underway, Milan have completed just two signings — Gonzalo Ramos and Mario Gila — and there are still clear gaps in the squad. The club’s management is working behind the scenes to strengthen the roster, but time is running out. Supporters are waiting eagerly, trusting that the right moves will be made in the coming days to give Amorim the tools he needs to make this season a successful one.
