AC Milan manager Rúben Amorim prepares his squad for the upcoming Derby della Madonnina against Inter Milan at San Siro, facing a pivotal juncture following a defeat to Bologna. Sportmediaset reported that while Amorim is planning to rely on Luka Modrić and Christian Pulisic, the tactical setup hinges on the fitness and availability of Adrien Rabiot. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 20:45.
Milanello Recovery Brings Three Players Back to Training
Relief arrived at Milanello as three players—Adrien Rabiot, Mario Gila, and Carlos Moreira—returned to full group training, significantly bolstering a squad that faced an extensive injury list prior to the Bologna fixture. Gila, recovering from an ankle overload, presents the most straightforward reintegration path for the coaching staff. The Spanish defender is a new summer signing, particularly valuable given that Fikayo Tomori suffered a thigh injury against Bologna that forced his withdrawal at halftime.
Derby Stakes and the Shadow of a Slow Start
The Rossoneri enter the weekend derby sitting fifth in the Serie A standings after their first championship match loss of the season. ANSA reported that the club invested €150 million in summer reinforcements following a financial year closing with a €23.7 million loss against €464.6 million in revenues. With expectations high and supporters expressing vocal frustration after the recent home defeat, Amorim acknowledged in his post-match comments that his side will need to take calculated risks to secure a result against their cross-town rivals.
Tactical Dilemmas Centered Around Rabiot
Amorim’s formation choices for Saturday depend heavily on whether Rabiot can feature from the opening whistle. The squad is managing Rabiot’s calf issue and Moreira’s flexor strain, making their immediate starting status a delicate decision for the coach. If both are cleared, Milan could deploy a 4-3-3 shape featuring Yunus Musah, Modrić, and Rabiot across the midfield, supporting a front three of Omari Hutchinson, Gonçalo Ramos, and Pulisic. Alternatively, a 4-2-3-1 setup remains an option, which would push Rabiot into an advanced attacking midfield role or place Moreira out wide on the left.
Inter Milan Arrives in Form
While Milan seeks stability, Cristian Chivu brings Inter into the fixture following a victory at Venezia. ANSA noted that Inter’s start under the Romanian manager matches historical benchmarks set by Helenio Herrera during the 1966-1967 campaign and Giovanni Trapattoni during the 1988-1989 season. Inter is expected to rotate its squad back to full strength following midweek adjustments, with Nicolò Barella pushing for a midfield return and Bonny favored to lead the attack.
Unresolved Questions Before Saturday Night at San Siro
Uncertainty remains regarding whether Amorim will risk starting both Rabiot and Moreira after their recent muscular fatigue. The matchday squad will also continue to miss several long-term absentees, including Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers, Samuel Chukwueze, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tomori (in fase di valutazione), and Pietro Terracciano. With kickoff approaching at San Siro, the final team sheet will clarify how much risk the Milan technical staff is willing to absorb in pursuit of a much-needed derby turnaround.
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