The Amorim arrival shifts the focus

Ruben Amorim is officially at the helm of AC Milan, and the honeymoon period is destined to be short. The Italian giants are shifting away from the erratic tactical setups of the previous campaign toward a defined, high-press ideology. Amorim arrives with a pedigree of structural discipline, yet the squad he inherits remains a patchwork of disparate profiles.

The defensive line remains the primary site of concern. Last season, Milan displayed a chronic inability to maintain a high line without being picked apart by basic vertical balls. Data from the 2025/26 campaign shows a high-press success rate that hovered below 35%, a figure that often left the back four isolated against transitional threats.

Pruning the squad for a cash injection

The financial reality at Casa Milan is stark. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the club is targeting 150 million euros in player sales to stabilize the long-term budget. This is not merely belt-tightening; it is a surgical removal of assets that no longer fit the tactical requirements of a modern squad.

Selling seven players to reach that figure is an ambitious timeline. While the club looks to clear deadwood, they risk stripping away too much depth before the window closes. Analysts are monitoring which fringe starters from last year's collapse are on the chopping block to make room for Amorim’s specific tactical needs.

The elder statesman effect

Perhaps the most curious development is the prolonged stay of Luka Modric. Though many expected a departure, reports suggest the veteran is inching toward a new deal at the club. His presence is a double-edged sword for a manager like Amorim.

On one hand, Modric provides the elite technical floor that young prospects lack. On the other, his inclusion often forces a retreat into a slower, possession-heavy tempo that conflicts with the intense pressing triggers Amorim prefers. The manager will need to decide by the end of August whether to build around established names or prioritize the youth movement coming from the academy.

The Milan Futuro laboratory

The integration of Milan Futuro under the stewardship of Navarro is meant to bridge the gap between the U20s and the first team. Navarro’s plans for the squad suggest a rigid adherence to the senior team's tactical shape. This is a logical move, but it ignores the high failure rate of prospects making the jump to high-pressure Serie A environments.

If the senior squad hits a slump in September, Amorim will face immediate calls from the curva to promote kids who might not be ready. Maintaining that balance while dealing with the demands of the board is the defining challenge of his hiring. We are looking at a manager under immense pressure to deliver immediate results while simultaneous building for three seasons down the line.

My prediction for the opening month? Amorim will start with a cautious 3-4-3 to shield his shaky central defenders, likely sacrificing attacking flair to secure clean sheets. They will stumble through the first two fixtures. Expect an ugly, narrow victory followed by a tactical concession in a high-profile matchup before the international break.