The Amorim era breathes life into Milanello

Today is the day the reboot officially hits the turf. Ruben Amorim has finalized his 26-man roster for the opening of the 2026-27 pre-season, and frankly, the vibe is different. There is zero time for a settling-in period when you take the reins at a club where second place is basically a public execution.

Amorim isn't playing. He has gathered his band of brothers to start the grind, and the list reveals exactly how he plans to manipulate the tactical shape of this squad. He’s brought along the youth prospects to plug holes, but the message from the brass is clear: impress now or find a new zip code.

The Bennacer exodus is a necessary evil

Let’s address the elephant in the training room. Ismael Bennacer has been left off the squad entirely, as reported by MilanNews, and it is pretty obvious the club is angling for a contract termination. Look, I get it. The man has had moments, but when you are a top-tier side trying to evolve, you cannot carry a player who spends more time on the physio table than on the pitch.

It’s cold, it’s cutthroat, and it’s the business. If the club is willing to wash their hands of him rather than drag this through a full transfer window, they are looking to clear the wage budget like they’re cleaning out a junk drawer. Some fans will cry about loyalty, but loyalty doesn't win Champions League knockout rounds.

Tactical shape and the pre-season reality check

The 26-man roster is a mix of tactical staples and nervous academy graduates hoping to catch the gaffer’s eye. Amorim has a specific way of setting up his blocks, and if you can't track back and provide cover in his transition-heavy style, you’re dead weight. The primary concern is whether the squad has the legs to handle his intensity for a full 90 minutes.

We already know the pre-season workload is going to be brutal. There’s no room for players who want to drift into space and admire their own boots. If your touch is heavy or your positioning is lazy, expect to be relegated to the shuttle runs while the first XI hones their press.

My biggest fear? The transition time. Amorim is coming in with a clear methodology, but implementing that while dealing with these contract headaches is a massive internal distraction. If the morale takes a dive early because someone feels hard-done-by regarding the Bennacer situation, we could see a rocky start to August.

Still, watching them run through the drills this Monday, there is a refreshing lack of sentimentality. It’s a clean slate. 26 players are fighting for their careers, and the ones who don't fit the mold are already being escorted to the exit. That’s how you build a winning culture, not by holding onto past-their-prime favorites who just happen to have a good social media presence.

Expect the intensity to ramp up by match day one. The roster is trimmed, the manager has the full backing to cull the herd, and for the first time in a while, it feels like the squad is playing for a singular vision rather than a collection of individual egos. Whether that vision leads to a scudetto or a mid-season implosion is up to the kids stepping up now.