Amorim Shakes Up the Lineup: Many Surprises for Milan vs Benfica
The evening of Milan’s Europa League debut is approaching and, as often happens in the Amorim era, the surprises are far from few. For the match at San Siro against Benfica, the Portuguese manager reportedly tested a starting lineup in training that raises eyebrows, with four or five key players left initially on the bench. The confirmed formation is a 3-4-2-1, but the chosen names overturn every prediction.
The Big Surprise: Terracciano Starts in Defence
The main twist concerns the backline. Mike Maignan will be between the posts, but the three-man defence could feature the unexpected presence of Filippo Terracciano as the right-sided centre-back, in place of the more widely anticipated Matteo Gabbia. Many had expected Fikayo Tomori as the natural alternative, but Amorim appears to have opted for the young Italian, completing the defensive line alongside Malick Thiaw and Strahinja Pavlović.
A choice that carries extra weight given that at the start of the transfer window, Terracciano’s name had circulated as a potential departure, with Udinese and Sassuolo reportedly interested. He stayed at Milan and now could seize his opportunity on a European night.
Midfield Overhauled: Modrić and Rabiot Left Out
The surprises don’t stop at the back. In midfield, Luka Modrić will not start from the first minute: the Croatian maestro will begin on the bench. An understandable decision given the relentless schedule of a season that has Milan playing every three days. Amorim himself stated in his press conference that Modrić, a true professional and intelligent player, fully understands when it’s right to start on the bench.
Adrien Rabiot and Christian Pulisic will also kick off from the bench. Samuel Chukwueze is set to operate on the right flank, while the central pairing should be Yunus Musah and Ardon Jashari. On the left, Davide Bartesaghi gets the nod ahead of a surprisingly benched Diego Moreira — despite the latter’s brace against Lazio.
Attacking Midfield and Attack: Hutchinson’s Debut, Ramos Chases a Goal
In the attacking midfield zone, behind the lone striker, Amorim could hand Omari Hutchinson a start from the first minute — something the manager had hinted at in his pre-match press conference. It would be a full debut for the winger in the competition wearing the Rossoneri shirt.
Leading the attack will be Gonzalo Ramos. The Portuguese striker, who joined Milan after his time at Paris Saint-Germain, is eager to find the net again after scoring against Venezia in the league. In the subsequent matches against Juventus and Lazio, he drew a blank, but his desire to shine on a European stage remains strong. Ramos feels the weight of responsibility not so much because of his transfer fee, but because of the size of the club he represents.
Amorim’s Strategy: Start with the Squad Players, End with the Big Names
Revolutionising the starting eleven and then bringing on key players in the second half seems to be a deliberate strategy from Amorim. Against Juventus, a substitute changed the game; against Lazio, Pulisic, Musah and Moreira almost overturned a 2-0 deficit; and also in Turin against Ignazio Abate’s side, second-half changes transformed the match. A philosophy that keeps everyone on their toes and ensures fresh energy when games are decided.
The Portuguese coach has repeatedly stressed that there is no fixed ideal eleven: every player must be ready, the whole group must be involved, and those who start on the bench can make just as much of an impact as those who begin from the first whistle. A modern concept, but one that requires time to take root and build the team identity that Rossoneri fans are eagerly waiting for.
For the official lineup, fans will need to wait until before kick-off. Tonight at San Siro, another chapter in Milan’s European story is written.
