Amorim’s respect for Gattuso and his Lazio is a direct consequence of the clear progress the Biancocelesti have made so far. Saturday’s 18:00 clash at the Olimpico represents an important test for a Milan side that must improve on the level they showed against Juventus in the last league game. Amorim is sticking to his mentality and his ideas: he will give opportunities to those who are in the best shape, without putting too much emphasis on reputation.
Will Pulisic si on the bench for the Lazio-Milan match?
Amorim will make another change in the attacking midfield: the ‘away specialist’ Cisse will return, and he should be joined by Rabiot, with Jashari competing with Modric for a place alongside Musah in midfield. Pulisic will once again start on the bench for the fourth consecutive game, and that is undoubtedly the news of the day because it represents a first for the American since 13 July 2023, the day he signed for Milan. The Portuguese coach has already announced at his press conference that the former Chelsea player will definitely make his league debut, so a substitution involving Cisse is planned for the second half against Lazio.
Pulisic’s 'frown', to paraphrase Amorim’s comments at his press conference, has actually been there for much longer: the No. 11 Rossoneri player rejected a contract extension in spring 2025 because he was not convinced by Milan's plans for the future. Cardinale has always placed him at the top of the list of the squad’s most important players, also viewing him as an important vehicle for US sponsorship deals, but he has yet to secure Pulisic’s agreement to the proposed extension until 2030. The two sides have resumed talks in recent weeks, and RedBird owner Cardinale is now waiting for a turning point, a sort of make-or-break moment: Milan need the real Pulisic, the one without the frown. This was relayed via CalcioMercato today.
