Milan vs Ferencváros: A Match Not to Be Underestimated
The Europa League is back, and Milan face a crucial test. Tonight at San Siro, the Rossoneri take on Ferencváros, the Hungarian club who arrive with a perfect record: three wins from three in the Europa League group stage. A solid, goal-hungry opponent who must not be taken lightly.
Manager Rúben Amorim himself delivered a clear message in his pre-match press conference: “Be careful not to underestimate this side.” When teams like Ferencváros arrive at San Siro — the home of a club with seven Champions League titles — they raise their game and give everything. Milan know this better than anyone.
Europa League Situation: Three Points Are Mandatory
Milan’s European standing is far from comfortable. With two defeats in their first three Europa League matches, another loss — or even a draw — would seriously jeopardise their continental campaign. The risk of having to navigate a playoff round in January is real and must be avoided. Tonight, three points are almost non-negotiable.
Amorim has prepared the squad meticulously, calling for maximum concentration from the first whistle. The goal is to regain consistency in Europe, building on the stunning derby victory against Inter, and show that this squad is growing on all fronts.
Injury Crisis: Six Players Missing
Amorim must navigate a significant injury list. Six players are unavailable for tonight’s fixture:
- Strahinja Pavlović – shoulder problem; tried to push through but chose caution to avoid further risk.
- Samuel Chukwueze – hip surgery, out for at least three months.
- Matteo Gabbia – still unavailable.
- Alexis Saelemaekers – sidelined.
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek – not in the squad.
- Pietro Terracciano – backup goalkeeper, not available.
On top of these absences, Mike Maignan’s suspension means young Lorenzo Torriani will start in goal. The 2003-born keeper has had very limited first-team action — appearances against Bournemouth in the Europa League, a Coppa Italia win over Sassuolo (6-1) and the 2024 Champions League game against Liverpool — but the manager trusts him fully after consistently impressive training performances.
Probable Lineup: Partial Rotation, Not a Full Overhaul
With the Genoa match just three days away, Amorim has opted for a measured rotation: five changes from the derby lineup, not a full revolution. The aim is to manage the workloads of players like Christian Pulisic, Luka Modrić and Diego Moreira, the latter only recently returned from a physical issue before delivering a strong derby performance.
Probable lineup in a 4-4-1-1:
- Goalkeeper: Lorenzo Torriani
- Defenders: Filippo Terracciano, Koni De Winter, Sankhoun Diawara, Davide Bartesaghi
- Midfielders: Omari Hutchinson, Yunus Musah, Ardon Jashari, Alphadjo Cissé
- Attacking midfielder: Adrien Rabiot
- Striker: Gonçalo Ramos
Department-by-Department Analysis
In defence, Filippo Terracciano returns to the starting XI after being rested following a run of inconsistent displays and a red card against Salzburg. Mario Gila cannot play three matches in quick succession, opening the door for the Italian defender. Koni De Winter keeps his place: the Belgian centre-back has shown real solidity and, in a wonderful personal note, became a father just hours ago — congratulations to him and his family, and he even spoke at the press conference. Sankhoun Diawara partners him at the back; the Franco-Senegalese defender has been praised by Amorim for his versatility, comfortable both as a centre-back and as a full-back. Davide Bartesaghi covers the left flank.
In midfield, with Modrić resting, Ardon Jashari steps in as the natural replacement in Amorim’s system. The Swiss-North Macedonian is seen as the ideal profile to provide quality and work-rate in the engine room. Yunus Musah keeps his place, alongside Omari Hutchinson on the right and Alphadjo Cissé completing the quartet.
In the advanced midfield role, Adrien Rabiot lines up — arguably one of Milan’s most in-form players right now. The French midfielder has already scored five goals in a Milan shirt this season, constantly threatening with his late runs into the box.
Up front, Gonçalo Ramos leads the line ahead of Francesco Camarda. It is not a risk-free decision: with Genoa coming up in just three days, any injury to the Portuguese striker would leave Amorim desperately short up front. Camarda remains a long-term project, and a loan move in January could be on the cards to ensure the youngster gets regular minutes.
Five Derby Starters Confirmed and Amorim’s Message
Five players from the derby starting XI are retained: De Winter, Diawara, Musah, Rabiot and Ramos. A measured rotation that shows Amorim’s desire to maintain a core of in-form players without completely reshuffling the deck.
The manager’s message is unambiguous: Milan must put the derby behind them immediately and focus entirely on Ferencváros. As he made clear in his press conference, “We cannot think like a small club; winning the derby does not mean we have already achieved a perfect season.” Hunger and aggression must be this team’s driving force, game after game.
