Rúben Amorim marked his debut as AC Milan manager with a 2-1 victory against Torino on August 23, 2026, in the opening match of the 2026/27 Italian football championship.
Why it matters: Amorim’s win is a promising start for AC Milan, who finished fifth last season. This victory sets a positive tone as they aim to reclaim their status among Italy's elite.
Amorim is the first foreign coach to win his first season opener in charge of AC Milan since 2009.
The victory against Torino follows a pre-season friendly win over Manchester United, indicating a momentum shift for the team.
AC Milan last won the Italian title in the 2021/22 season, and this win could signal a return to form.
Driving the news: The match saw young forward Alphadjo Cissè score the opener in the 64th minute, followed by a goal from midfielder Adrien Rabiot just three minutes later, effectively sealing the victory for Milan.
Cissè's goal was notable as it marked his Serie A debut, receiving praise for his performance.
Rabiot, who was substituted in the second half, assisted Cissè's goal before scoring himself, demonstrating his impact on the game.
Torino's Che Adams managed to pull one back for the hosts in stoppage time, but it was too late to change the outcome.
State of play: AC Milan controlled much of the match, recording 59% possession and 19 shots compared to Torino's 8.
Amorim's tactical decisions included starting Cissè, who repaid the faith with a decisive goal.
Milan's dominance was evident, yet they struggled to convert chances until the second half.
Amorim acknowledged the need for improved physicality, particularly in the latter stages of the match.
The big picture: This victory is a strong foundation for Amorim as he seeks to instill a winning mentality in his squad.
Amorim emphasized that the primary goal in football is winning, stating, "The most important thing is to win."
He noted that the team needs to develop a more aggressive approach, especially in the attacking third.
With key players like Gonçalo Ramos, who made his league debut, Milan aims to build on this success as the season progresses.
What they're saying: Following the match, Amorim expressed satisfaction with the win but acknowledged areas for improvement.
"In the first half, the concern of my players was to control the game, but we lacked aggression in the final third," Amorim said.
Italian media provided mixed reviews of his line-up, with some praising Cissè's performance but criticizing Amorim's initial choices.
Corriere della Sera remarked on the confusion in Amorim's tactical setup, questioning the roles of certain players.
By the numbers: The statistics from the match highlighted Milan's control and effectiveness.
Milan had 59% possession, indicating their dominance in controlling the game.
They took 19 shots, significantly outpacing Torino's 8 attempts.
Cissè's goal came after a period of sustained pressure, illustrating the team's potential.
Between the lines: The match showcased both the promise and challenges facing Amorim's squad.
Amorim's decision to start Cissè paid off, but questions remain about the effectiveness of his initial line-up.
Critics pointed to the lack of creativity and urgency in the first half, which improved after key substitutions.
The team’s inability to maintain intensity for the full 90 minutes raises concerns about fitness and preparation.
What's next: AC Milan will look to build on this victory in their upcoming fixtures.
Amorim plans to address the physicality issues in training as the team prepares for their next match.
With Ramos and other key players expected to integrate more fully into the squad, Milan aims for consistency moving forward.
The next challenge will be to develop a cohesive attacking strategy that utilizes the strengths of their roster.