Tomorrow officially marks the start of AC Milan’s 2026/27 season. It feels like only yesterday that the Rossoneri suffered a shocking defeat to Cagliari at San Siro, throwing away Champions League qualification on the final day of the season despite it having seemed virtually guaranteed. From that moment, a complete overhaul began. The old hierarchy was swept away almost immediately, while identifying the club’s new leadership proved to be a far longer and more complicated process. And if, just a few weeks ago, someone had said that Milan would report for pre-season with Ruben Amorim as head coach, Gila already on board, and Gonçalo Ramos officially signed well in advance, very few would have believed it. Yet those are the foundations on which the Rossoneri begin their new campaign tomorrow.
Pulisic absent through injury, but firmly in Amorim’s plans
United States captain Christian Pulisic will not take part in tomorrow’s opening training session. His absence would almost certainly have been expected regardless because of his involvement at the FIFA Club World Cup, but the injury he sustained in his country’s most recent match against Belgium has made his withdrawal inevitable. The United States medical staff confirmed that Pulisic suffered a small fracture of the fibula, with an expected recovery period of between three and six weeks.
Looking at the downside, it is an early setback for the American, as he will miss Milan’s entire pre-season preparation. On the positive side, however, the first competitive fixture is still some way off, meaning he is likely to miss very few matches—possibly none at all. The aim is to have him fully fit for Milan’s Serie A opener at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino against Ignazio Abate’s Torino.
A crucial contract renewal for Cardinale and Amorim: Chris, what’s your decision?
Pulisic’s importance to the Amorim-Cardinale project has been emphasised by both men in recent weeks.
“Pulisic is an exceptionally talented player,” Amorim said during his introductory press conference. “He picked up an injury at the Club World Cup, so we’ll have to assess the situation. But he’s perfectly suited to Italian football, where teams defend very well. He can make the difference with a capital D. I already know exactly where I want to use him. On the left with his right foot, but also on the opposite side. Even so, I want him operating between the lines, not hugging the touchline. He’s highly regarded within the club, and the entire staff are behind him to help him perform at his best. He’s a very important player for us.”
With Pulisic’s current contract set to expire in 2027, Milan are eager to secure an extension—not only to protect one of their key players, but also to avoid the risk of losing him for nothing should he be sold in the future, as relayed via Milan News.
As things stand, however, no agreement has been signed. According to reports from the United States, Pulisic is taking his time in order to carefully consider all of his options. It remains to be seen whether Cardinale, together with Amorim, can remove any lingering doubts from the American’s mind and convince him to commit his future to the Rossoneri, or whether Milan will begin the new season with one of their star players entering the final year of his contract.
