Ruben Amorim's AC Milan: Chasing Victory Against Venezia
Ruben Amorim steps into San Siro for the first time as AC Milan coach on Friday night, chasing a perfect start in Serie A without his biggest star, Rafael Leao, and with the transfer window still breathing down the club’s neck.
Amorim’s Milan, same again
The Portuguese coach opened his Italian adventure with exactly the kind of win that settles nerves and sharpens belief: a 2-1 victory away to Torino, sealed by teenager Alphadjo Cisse and the ever-dependable Adrien Rabiot.
Cisse’s goal in Turin was more than just a second strike on the night. It was a statement. A 19-year-old finishing confidently in a tight game, underlining why Amorim is ready to trust him again on one of European football’s grandest stages.
Reports from Sky Sport Italia suggest there will be no early tinkering. Milan are expected to roll out the same XI that did the job in Turin, with Cisse, Goncalo Ramos and Ruben Loftus-Cheek again forming the attacking trident in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1.
The message is clear: if it works, keep it.
Christian Pulisic, still waiting for his first minutes of the new campaign, is tipped to start on the bench. Amorim hinted in his pre-match press conference that the American could finally be unleashed at some point, giving Milan another creative option between the lines or out wide if the game demands it.
Leao absent, rumours loud
What Milan cannot call upon is the chaos and brilliance of Rafael Leao.
The former Serie A MVP is out of the squad and very much in the headlines, with the Portugal international linked to late-window moves to Aston Villa and Galatasaray. With only days remaining in the summer market, his absence from Amorim’s plans tonight only adds fuel to the speculation over his future.
On the flip side, the depth in midfield is starting to show. Luka Modric, Rabiot and Alexis Saelemaekers are all expected to be in the matchday squad and are pushing for starting roles. Yet indications from Italy remain consistent: Amorim is leaning towards stability, not rotation, as he walks out at San Siro for the first time.
Venezia arrive wounded, but unchanged
Venezia make the trip north still stung by a 2-0 home defeat to Lecce on the opening weekend. Newly promoted, they were reminded quickly how unforgiving Serie A can be.
Even so, early reports suggest they will resist the temptation to overhaul their side. The structure that brought them up will get another chance on one of the most intimidating stages in the league.
There will be at least one familiar surname under the floodlights. Filip Stankovic, son of former Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic, is set to start in goal. A Stankovic in front of the Curva Sud, but this time in Venezia colours, adds a subtle twist to the evening.
Probable line-ups
Kick-off at San Siro is scheduled for 19.45 BST.
- Milan (3-4-2-1): Maignan; De Winter, Gila, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Jashari, Musah, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek, Cisse; Ramos.
- Venezia (3-5-2): Stankovic; Schingtienne, Bella-Kotchap, Franjic; Hainaut, Perez, Busio, Basi, Correia; Yeboah, Adams.
How to watch
In the UK, the game will be shown exclusively on DAZN. Viewers in the USA can follow the action live on Paramount+.
A new coach, a restless transfer market, a packed San Siro and a promoted side with nothing to lose: Milan’s second step under Amorim already feels like an early test of how far, and how fast, this project can really go.
