Two Amorim priorities after Cardinale talks as Pulisic set for first Milan start of 2026-27

TURIN, ITALY - AUGUST 23: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on August 23, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim reportedly explained his tactical decisions against Benfica during a remote meeting with Gerry Cardinale on Thursday, and the Milan boss is now due to improve the team’s style of play and fighting spirit, while Christian Pulisic will return to the starting XI against Lecce.

Milan coach Amorim spoke to club owner Gerry Cardinale on Thursday afternoon, the day after the Rossoneri’s 2-0 loss to Benfica.

Cardinale and Amorim always discuss the team’s performance after every Milan game, but this obviously had a different flavour as Milan had lost their first game this season after back-to-back Serie A draws against Juventus and Lazio.

Amorim is not at risk of being sacked, as previously reported, but several sources say Cardinale is concerned by the team’s performances against Benfica, as well as against Juventus and Lazio.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Cardinale “didn’t like” the spirit and organisation the players showed in the most recent games, so the owner expects a quick U-turn and a victory against Lecce in the next Serie A match on Sunday.

Gazzetta adds that Amorim has so far shown little of the principles he wants to bring to Milan, so his main priority now is to work on the team’s style of play and fighting spirit.

The coach will therefore use the coming days to address the issues that have emerged in recent weeks, with Milan facing Lecce on Sunday before the two-week international break.

Cardinale spoke to Amorim from New York, but is due to return to Milan in the coming days and be in the stands at San Siro on Sunday.

“Calm is needed to ease the tension and irritability, to put a smile back on the faces of those who, like Modric, had not had the chance to help the team against Benfica,” wrote Gazzetta.

“Rabiot, and above all, Pulisic, will return to the starting line-up.”

Pulisic had fitness issues during the pre-season, but made substitute appearances against Lazio and Benfica, playing the second half in both matches. According to Gazzetta, the next home game against Lecce will mark his first start in the 2026-27 campaign.