Ruben Amorim targets scudetto in Milan debut as Rafael Leao sits out Torino opener

Debut on the Milan bench

Ruben Amorim will make his official Serie A debut as AC Milan manager on 23 August 2026 against Torino. The fixture matches the Portuguese coach against Torino manager Ignazio Abate, a former Milan player who previously coached the club's youth academy up to the Primavera level. Speaking at the pre-match press conference at Milanello in Carnago, Amorim acknowledged feeling both excitement and anxiety before his first competitive fixture in charge of the club. He noted that Torino will present a difficult challenge because Abate knows Italian football and the specific pressure associated with Milan. The Portuguese coach emphasized that opening the league season with three points is essential to establish the foundation for a renewed team identity.

We not only want to win them all, but we need to win.

Tactical approach and squad mentality

Amorim outlined a tactical approach centered on controlling possession, committing multiple players forward into the penalty area, and maintaining the defensive discipline built under former coach Massimiliano Allegri. The manager emphasized that creating a unified collective culture at Milanello remains his primary objective during the opening weeks of the season. He pointed to the regular presence of club owner Gerry Cardinale as an important factor, noting that Cardinale engages directly with employees across departments ranging from the kitchen staff to Milan Lab. Among individual squad members, Amorim singled out defender Matteo Gabbia as the player who best embodies the identity of Milan, while also praising the training performances of young player Cisse.

Leao absence and transfer focus

Forward Rafael Leao will miss the opening match against Torino because of a lingering muscle issue that has kept him out of training. The injury occurred one week prior, on the eve of Milan's friendly against Manchester United, leaving the forward physically unable to compete. Amorim switched from English into Italian during his Carnago press conference to deliver a direct message regarding the forward and dispel transfer talk. Although agent Jorge Mendes held recent meetings in Milan and Turkish club Galatasaray continues to monitor the player, Amorim insisted that the upcoming fixture takes precedence over market discussions. The manager reiterated that Leao remains an integral part of the squad once he regains complete fitness.

Rafa at this moment is not important. Tomorrow's match is important.

Title ambitions and league rivals

Milan enters the new campaign with the explicit target of winning the Serie A scudetto, moving beyond the previous season's focus under Allegri on Champions League qualification. Amorim acknowledged that reigning league champions Inter currently possess an advantage over the rest of the division, but stated that his squad is capable of beating any team. The coach also identified Como, pointing to their coach and player quality, as well as Atalanta among the competitive sides to watch across the league. He explained that building a championship contender will depend on early match results and how quickly the squad adapts to a more courageous style of play.