Gonçalo Ramos returned from the international break with a goal, a statement of confidence and a useful reminder for Milan: their centre-forward is finding his rhythm, but the team must continue to find better ways of finding him.
The decision
Ramos scored Portugal’s second goal in the 2-1 defeat to Norway after a costly mistake by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who turned 36 on 10 September. Nyland’s misplaced pass fell to the Milan striker, who controlled the ball and lifted a finish over the goalkeeper.
It was Ramos’ first goal for 30 days, ending a spell that was approaching an uncomfortable psychological landmark for a striker. Nyland has already had a significant international year: Norway’s goalkeeper saved Bruno Guimarães’ penalty at the World Cup, a moment that brought Carlo Ancelotti’s elimination, before his error offered Ramos a route back onto the scoresheet.
After the match, Ramos made clear that the goal mattered beyond the result. “Scoring always gives me confidence, whether I start or come on,” he said. “Have I earned my place in the squad? I would say so. The main change under Jorge Jesus is that we press higher and try to suffocate opponents.”
That appetite for high pressing is also part of what Ruben Amorim asks of him at Milan. Yet Ramos’ place for Portugal remains complicated by Cristiano Ronaldo, who was left on the bench for the full match in Oslo but is unlikely to remain out of the side for long. Ronaldo is expected to start in Denmark, having also played in Portugal’s opening game of this international window against Wales.
For Milan, the question is less about whether Ramos can contribute than how regularly he can be placed in situations such as the one Nyland handed him. In five Serie A rounds, he has received only seven crosses inside the penalty area. That supply can improve.
His broader numbers suggest progress, with more shots and more touches in the opposition box than last season. Context matters, however: Ramos is averaging 89 minutes per game under Amorim, compared with 40 minutes under Luis Enrique. More time on the pitch has naturally given him a greater presence in Milan’s attacking phases.
The next step is one of balance around the number nine. Ramos can combine with teammates, but he benefits when players threaten the space behind the defence. Crosses from wide areas and runners arriving beyond the line force opponents into difficult choices, creating the room in which a forward such as Ramos can operate.
Sunday’s picture
Portugal play Denmark on Thursday before meeting Norway at home on Sunday. The schedule gives Milan a full week between Portugal’s final fixture and their trip to Sassuolo, allowing Ramos time to recover before the league returns.
The likely sequence places him in contention to begin against Denmark, then to lead Milan’s line at Sassuolo in Reggio Emilia and again away to Salzburg in the Europa League. Milan have already lost their first European match against Benfica, so the visit to Austria carries early importance in their group campaign.
Ramos has spoken with the confidence of a player who believes he deserves his place. Milan now need to provide the service that can turn that conviction into a more sustained chapter of their season.
