AC Milan are off to the 2026/27 campaign with a sense of renewed confidence and hope that they will once again be able to mount a challenge for the top honours in Italian football. Ruben Amorim has taken over the San Siro after the Rossoneri’s struggles in the last few campaigns to give them stability, tactical identity and a winning mentality.
The Portuguese coach has a knack for developing structured, sharp teams that are able to play at a high level. At Sporting, he created a style of football that is characterised by pressing, possession and positional intelligence, which is why he was regarded as one of best young managers in Europe.
Milan's appointment of Amorim is a clear strategic move. The club aren't just looking for an instant fix, but are trying to produce a team following a well-defined football philosophy. It's a question whether all of that can be easily turned into results in an intense Serie A situation. For match predictions throughout the season, go to Cheekypunter.com to get expert analysis and tips for the Serie A and other top leagues in Europe.
Amorim's tactical revolution at San Siro
A system focused on control and intensity
Amorim's preferred tactical set up will be expected to make a huge difference for Milan's play. He normally has a three-man defence, and fast wing-backs and midfielders with technical skills, with a responsibility of playing defensive.
This system necessitates players being at ease in possession and to respond swiftly when they lose possession. Milan's defenders will have to cover more area, midfielders must be able to cover their own area and maintain balance, and attackers will be required to be involved in pressing.
It has worked in Portugal, but will be a different matter in Serie A. As in many other European football leagues, Italian football is extremely tactical, and attackers can exploit even the smallest of the weaknesses.
So the first few months of the season will be critical. Milan's response to Amorim's style will now be crucial as to whether or not they are a threat to take the trophy or whether they are just another team trying to qualify for Europe.
Preparing a squad ready for the Scudetto fight
The importance of Milan's attacking options
There will be a lot of responsibility on Milan's attackers to provide goals consistently. The signing of Goncalo Ramos brings quality and experience to the front line, providing Amorim with a forward who can initiate attacks and finish off chances.
Ramos has the ability to find creative players; this can be one of the biggest assets for Milan. The team already has the attacking capabilities to turn games around, such as Christian Pulisic, who offer different options in the final third as he’s fast and technically proficient, although the American is yet to feature in a match yet after three Serie A fixtures.
But it's not just about the quality. Milan needs to improve his whole season. The club have previously demonstrated their ability to perform very well at times and have been inconsistent at other times, especially when under pressure.
The challenge for Amorim will be to find a shape that sees Milan's top players work in harmony and not on an individual level.
The need for a balanced midfield
The midfield may decide Milan's destiny when it comes to challenging for the title. Experienced and inexperienced players need to be balanced well, particularly given Luka Modric's wealth of experience and technical acumen.
Modric will play a key role at this point in his career, but will need to be managed. He can offer creativity and leadership but Milan will need younger players around him who can bring intensity and physical coverage on a long campaign.
A balanced midfield will enable Amorim's system to work as it should. Milan will have to be able to defend the ball on the flattest and most capable of opponents, as well as be able to match-up with tougher teams like Inter, Napoli and Juventus physically.
Defensive stability could be the key to Milan's season
Their attacking ability is a byword for Milan but their organisation in defence may be the key to their success in winning titles. The tactical mode adopted by Amorim can be very demanding on defenders as they have to be focused, confident and make good decisions.
Their attacking ability is a byword for Milan but their organisation in defence may be the key to their success in winning titles. The tactical mode adopted by Amorim can be very demanding on defenders as they have to be focused, confident and make good decisions.
Mike Maignan is still playing a vital role. The goalkeeper is a leader and has always been able to make key saves when it matters most. But the team in front of him will need to adjust to the new defence swiftly.
To win a title, you must have a defence that will be effective even in unpredictable situations. But little errors can make a big difference between the champions and challengers over a 38-game season.
The battle for Serie A dominance
The challenge from Inter, Napoli and Juventus remains
The walk to the Scudetto for Milan will be tough. The Serie A is a competitive league, and a few clubs have what it takes to challenge for the title.
For the last few seasons, Inter have been very consistent and remain the team to beat in Italy. However, other teams have shown that it is possible with a consistent top-level performance to compete with the best. Napoli have done it recently, and so has Milan. Juventus have also remained in the discussion, and who knows, another surprise team like Como or AS Roma might emerge.
Direct contests with these rivals will be crucial for Milan. It is very important to show good form against the smaller opposition, but it can be the performances in the big matches that make championship campaigns.
The final verdict: does amorim have what it takes to win Milan the Scudetto?
Ruben Amorim is without a doubt the right man for the job. He has the tactical vision and patience to build teams capable of winning the Serie A. Milan have the potential to be at the top of the table if Amorim can be consistent with his approach and for the club to be patient.
The 2026/27 season will be a huge challenge for the manager as well as for the club. Milan are not just trying to get better, they want to be where they deserve to be based on their history both domestically and in Europe. The Rossoneri have come into a new era. Since Amorim's arrival, they have a manager who has a clear vision, and a team that can fight for the title. The immediate task now is to bring into reality what potential they have and that Milan are ready to become one of the strongest teams in Italian football.
