At least there’s Gonçalo, who has a special memory at this stadium. The thought will have crossed the minds of many Milan fans. The patched-up version of the Rossoneri that the 'Diavolo' will field tonight in Udine is causing considerable concern among the Milan faithful, but at least Ramos’s lightning-fast recovery, after missing the trip to Bournemouth with a problem in his left calf, gives Ruben Amorim his starting centre-forward. A player who scored one of the most important goals of his career at the Bluenergy Stadium, making a decisive contribution to the first European Super Cup in PSG’s history.
Recovery The sigh of relief had come on the very day of Milan’s Europa League clash with the English side: no injury, according to the results of the medical examinations. The calf, however, is always a delicate area, so it was far from certain that the Portuguese player would immediately be fit and available again. Instead, he was already training with the group on Friday, making himself available to play tonight against Udinese. The signs are good, and the former PSG player will duly lead the attack in a match that could lift the 'Diavolo' into third place, level with Roma, writes La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition.
Memory Before missing the trip to Bournemouth, Ramos had scored in two consecutive matches: the first, in Salzburg, had ended a goal drought in Rossoneri colours that had lasted since the end of August; the second, from the penalty spot, had helped secure the three points against Atalanta. Now comes a return to Udinese’s ground, with the aim of making it three out of three, which would give his Italian adventure a certain consistency in front of goal for the first time.
As mentioned, Gonçalo has already celebrated an important goal in Udine. It was August 13, 2025, PSG against Tottenham. In the 77th minute, with the Parisians two goals down, Luis Enrique threw the Portuguese centre-forward into the fray. Eight minutes later, Lee Kang-in pulled one back. And in the 94th minute came Ramos’s decisive touch, which took the contest to penalties, where Gonçalo converted the second spot kick of the shootout before lifting the Super Cup with his teammates.
Immediately after that triumph, the striker said he did not want to leave PSG in the summer, and he kept his word, securing another handful of trophies, including a second consecutive Champions League title. A year later, the situation changed, with Milan ready to offer him the number nine shirt and the starting role that had been a mirage in Paris.
Present In Milan, Ramos has had an up-and-down start, partly because of the weight of a record €70 million transfer in Rossoneri history. Too much? Who knows. In due course, the pitch will have its say. One thing is certain, however: the current team cannot do without its starting centre-forward.
Behind him is Camarda, who is expected to have a future full of great promise, but for Amorim it is necessary to think about the present and about beating Udinese at all costs. And having Gonçalo available again to make up for the (significant) absences is fundamental.
