The new chapter begins at Milanello
Ruben Amorim takes the pitch today for his first official training session as AC Milan manager. The transition from the previous regime is already marked by a rigid adherence to squad discipline, evidenced by the 26-man roster selection for this opening phase of training. Amorim brings his hallmark back-three approach, yet the personnel list confirms he is not looking for sentimentality during this initial evaluation period.
We already know that personnel decisions are causing friction in the dressing room. The decision to exclude Bondo from this initial group speaks to a ruthless streak, likely intended to signal that history at the club does not guarantee a spot in the tactical rotation. Whether this creates the necessary competitive environment or alienates long-standing squad members remains the primary question for the opening week.
Discontent in the stands spills into the training ground
Training ground atmospheres are usually defined by optimism, but the Curva Sud has explicitly decided to stay away. Their refusal to attend the raduno puts an immediate wall between the supporters and the squad. This is a pointed protest regarding the club's current direction, creating a vacuum where energy should be.
Amorim needs strong results from day one to break this cycle of apathy. If he cannot convert the skepticism of the fanbase into a functional identity, the pressure will mount before the Serie A opener. A coach entering a new environment without the backing of the loudest voice in the stadium essentially plays away games even at home.
What to watch for in the first session
With 26 players present, keep your eyes on the central defensive pairings. Amorim’s 3-4-3 system requires high ball-retention from the central defender. Any sign of hesitation in playing out from the back will identify which defenders are likely to be sold before the window closes.
The fitness levels of the returning squad will be scrutinized heavily. If the team looks sluggish in the controlled drills, it will suggest that the transition away from the previous high-intensity pressing model is causing physical confusion. If you see the lateral wing-backs tucking inside to form a mid-field box rather than overlapping, know he is sticking to his Sporting profile.
My prediction for this early phase is a period of stagnation. Amorim is asking for a shift in tactical intelligence that the current roster may lack, and the absence of fan support will only harden the nerves of the younger prospects. Expect a chaotic preseason friendly performance where the defensive line is caught out by high balls at least twice. The gap between expectation and execution is wide, and I suspect it will remain that way until late August.
