AC Milan Focus on Lazio Trip as Amorim Sticks to 3-4-2-1
AC Milan went back to work at Milanello on Thursday afternoon with one thing in mind: making sure the late slip against Juventus does not turn into a trend.
After back‑to‑back wins over Torino away and Venezia at San Siro, Ruben Amorim’s side tasted frustration for the first time in 2026-27, conceding late in a 1-1 draw with Juve. Now comes another test of their resolve and legs – a third away game in four – in the capital against Lazio.
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 here to stay
There will be no tactical surprises. According to MilanNews, Amorim will again trust his trademark 3-4-2-1, built around a back three and aggressive wing play.
Mike Maignan keeps the gloves and the captain’s armband, the undisputed pillar behind a defence that should once more feature Koni De Winter in the middle. The Belgian is expected to be flanked by Mario Gila and Strahinja Pavlovic, a trio designed for mobility as much as muscle.
Out wide, the message is clear: pace and width. Samuel Chukwueze is set to start on the right, while Pervis Estupinan currently leads the race on the left. That choice would push Davide Bartesaghi to the bench and confirm Diego Moreira’s drop from the XI after his start in Turin.
Midfield battles and a Rabiot dilemma
The heart of the debate lies in midfield. Yunus Musah is again tipped to partner Luka Modric in the double pivot, with the American holding an edge over Ardon Jashari for now.
But there is a twist in play. Adrien Rabiot remains a live option to drop deeper into that pivot, which would free Ruben Loftus-Cheek to step in as the central playmaker. It’s the one area where Amorim still has a genuine decision to make.
For the moment, the balance points towards continuity: Rabiot operating as the right-sided attacking midfielder, with Alphadjo Cisse reclaiming the left slot after his goal against Juventus. Cisse’s impact in that draw has put him firmly back in the frame.
Up front, Goncalo Ramos is set to lead the line again. Behind him, there is a quiet sense of anticipation: Christian Pulisic is expected to make his first appearance of the campaign from the bench, a potentially significant weapon to unleash if the game opens up.
Predicted XI and bench options
Predicted AC Milan XI vs Lazio (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Gila, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Modric, Musah, Estupinan; Rabiot, Cisse; G. Ramos.
Subs: P. Terracciano, Torriani, Tomori, F. Terracciano, Diawara, Bartesaghi, Jashari, Comotto, Saelemaekers, Moreira, Loftus-Cheek, Hutchinson, Pulisic, Camarda.
The structure looks settled, the hierarchy mostly clear. Now Milan must show whether this new Amorim blueprint can travel under pressure in Rome, or if that late goal against Juventus was a warning of cracks to come.
