Milan’s response to an uneasy opening to the season is taking shape around a simpler principle: the established figures must return to the centre of the team. After a European setback that underlined the cost of rotation, the visit of Lecce offers Ruben Amorim the chance to restore continuity through his senior players.
The decision
Gerry Cardinale had made the club’s direction clear before the campaign began. Adrien Rabiot and Christian Pulisic were retained, while Mike Maignan, the captain, and Rabiot were presented at Milanello as reference points for the squad. Those players were meant to set the standard. Three weekends into September, Milan need them to do so on the pitch.
The European selection policy has sharpened the issue. Changes made for cup football contributed to what has become a difficult start in Europe, and the conclusion within the club is that Milan cannot repeatedly move away from their strongest available line-up. There is little room at present for experimental selections, careful minute-management or opportunities offered primarily to squad players.
Pulisic is expected to start against Lecce for the first time this season. The American had not played a league minute before the second half against Lazio, with Amorim explaining that Chris Cisse had moved ahead of him because Pulisic was still managing his condition after an injury suffered at the World Cup.
The Lazio match, however, suggested Milan currently require Pulisic’s experience and quality more than Cisse’s energy. His performance in the Europa League against Benfica reinforced that assessment, as he was among the few Milan players to emerge with credit from the evening.
Gila should also return to the starting side after being left out of the XI in Europe. He may not be one of the dressing room’s longest-serving voices, but his importance to the defence is clear. Milan have conceded six goals overall, with three arriving while he was off the field: after he was withdrawn with physical discomfort against Torino and Juventus, and when Benfica scored their opening goal while he was on the bench.
Amorim is unlikely to dispense with the centre-back again. Maignan, meanwhile, remains another key figure whose influence has yet to be fully felt this season. The captain has not made a public statement, but Milan need his authority to show in performances.
Rabiot has already addressed his own position, insisting he never considered leaving Milan during the summer and saying that he is happy in the new environment. His start has nevertheless been unsettled. He began in a left-sided attacking midfield role before being moved back into midfield, and started only two of Milan’s first five matches after arriving at Milanello a week before the league opener.
Even so, his contribution has been meaningful: he came off the bench to register a goal and an assist in Turin, appeared against Venezia, then started against Juventus and Lazio. His displays have not yet been outstanding, but his omission from the Europa League side was felt within the group. Whether used closer to the striker or deeper in midfield, particularly when Luka Modric is absent, Rabiot brings a level of leadership Milan cannot easily leave aside.
Modric’s situation remains separate but equally sensitive. At 41, he understands that his appearances must be agreed with the coach and medical staff rather than treated as automatic. He would still like a more central role after showing his frustration on the European night. His availability for Lecce is again uncertain.
Sunday’s picture
Lecce arrive at a moment when Milan need more than a result. The match is an opportunity for Amorim and his senior players to recover a shared direction, with Pulisic and Gila set to return and Rabiot expected to remain central to the plan. Milan have the leaders identified; Sunday is about making them visible again.
