Serie A news: Five takeaways from Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge as AC Milan edge Torino

Sunday saw Ruben Amorim take charge of his first league game as AC Milan manager away to Torino, looking to start a revamp after the Rossoneri’s heartbreaking reunion with Massimiliano Allegri resulted in a season to forget.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer and AC Milan fan Luca Salmasi looks at five key takeaways from Amorim’s first outing.

Early signs of identity

The biggest sign from Milan’s 2-1 win over Torino was that they already looked like a new side, one starting to shape around Amorim’s ideas.

Amorim immediately set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Gonçalo Ramos as the sole striker, to ensure Milan controlled possession, played proactively, and pressed Torino high up the pitch.

Such an approach clearly intends to make Milan an outfit that dictates matches.

So, whilst it wasn’t a polished performance at all, what was clear was the type of team Amorim wants to become this season.

Cissè takes his opportunity

One of the key stories from Amorim’s first league game wasn’t about one of the new, expensive arrivals, but rather 19-year-old Alphadjo Cissè, whose inclusion in the squad was a surprise.

He justified Amorim’s decision with an impressive performance, including scoring Milan’s opening goal with a sense of real composure.

After the game, Amorim praised the teenager’s overall performance rather than just the goal, highlighting how confidently he took responsibility in the first half.

Cissè’s performance is another reminder of Amorim’s willingness to trust younger players when they earn their opportunity, and his development could become one of the more interesting subplots of Milan’s season.

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Rabiot still has it

Adrien Rabiot completely changed the game after coming off the bench in the 57th minute, bringing greater physicality and experience to the midfield.

Indeed, Rabiot’s impact was almost immediate as, in the 65th minute, he supplied the cross for Milan’s opening goal.

And although there will be plenty of attention on the faces Amorim has brought in so far and will continue to do so across this season, Rabiot’s performance demonstrated the importance of the experienced players he inherited.

They provide a viable option while younger players and new signings adapt to Amorim’s demands.

Amorim’s positive touchline influence

Another encouraging sign was Amorim’s adaptability when things weren’t going Milan’s way. 

The Rossoneri controlled much of the opening period but lacked the aggression needed to create enough.

Rather than waiting for a breakthrough, Amorim changed his midfield in the second half, bringing on Rabiot and Luka Modrić at the same time.

The response was emphatic, with Milan scoring twice shortly after and Rabiot directly involved in both goals.

Not all of his substitutions will have the same impact, of course, but it was encouraging to see the first example of Amorim reading the play and using the quality on his bench to change the direction of a game.

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Late drop-off offers warning

Despite all the positives, the end of the game was a clear sign for fans not to get ahead of themselves after one win.

Amorim’s side played well for 75 minutes before the physical levels noticeably dropped, making the last 15 much harder than they needed to be.

This matters as pressing is fundamental to how Amorim wants Milan to play.

When the visitors could no longer press effectively, Torino were able to exert intense pressure, which saw Ché Adams eventually score in stoppage time.

Amorim’s suggestion was that the lack of a full pre-season was to blame for several players not being up to the level expected, so it may take time for Milan to have the physical intensity required. 

Had this been against a stronger opposition, though, the drop-off could have been punished far more severely.

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