How did Ruben Amorim's Milan start the season?

Ruben Amorim, the new manager of Milan, has made a strong start to the season, with a notable 3-1 win over Inter in the derby, as reported by Nicky Bandini for The Guardian. Amorim's background and passion for Milan date back to his childhood, when he would watch tapes of the team featuring players like Paolo Maldini and Ruud Gullit. He had expressed his desire to play for Milan, and although that did not materialise, he has now fulfilled his ambition by becoming the team's coach. [1]

Amorim's appointment at Milan came after the team had missed out on the Champions League for a second season running, and with the potential departure of star player Rafael Leão. However, with the backing of Milan's owners, who invested over €160m in transfer fees during the summer window, Amorim has been able to make a positive impact on the team. His tactical flexibility and ability to adapt to different situations have been key factors in Milan's success so far this season. [1]

The win over Inter in the derby was a significant result for Amorim and Milan, as it marked Inter's first league defeat of the season. The match saw Milan take an early lead through goals from Christian Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot, before Inter pulled a goal back through Alessandro Bastoni. However, Milan secured the win with a free-kick from Diego Moreira, who has been impressive since joining the team from Strasbourg in the summer. The result has put rivals on notice, and raises questions about whether Milan can sustain their current form and challenge for the title. [1]

The Derby Win

Ruben Amorim's Milan secured a 3-1 win over Inter in the derby, marking Inter's first league defeat of the season. The match saw Milan take the lead in the fourth minute with a thumping header from Christian Pulisic, followed by a magnificent first-time flick from Adrien Rabiot in the 10th minute. Inter's defending was horrendous on both occasions, but Milan's design and execution were impressive, with the Rabiot goal being a rehearsed training ground routine. [1]

The win was a significant result for Amorim and Milan, as it showcased the team's attacking prowess and tactical flexibility. Amorim's decision to start Sankhoun Diawara as left wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation paid off, and the team's ability to adapt and execute their game plan was impressive. The match also highlighted the importance of Diego Moreira, who provided flawless deliveries and scored a stunning free-kick to seal the win. [1]

Amorim's Tactical Flexibility

Ruben Amorim's tactical approach has been a key factor in Milan's strong start to the season, with the team showcasing flexibility in their formations and player positions. According to a report by Nicky Bandini for The Guardian, Amorim has alternated between a back three and a back four, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different situations. This flexibility was on display in the derby win over Inter, where Amorim opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with the 20-year-old Sankhoun Diawara starting as a left wing-back. [1]

The Impact of the Win

The win over Inter has significant implications for the Serie A table, with Milan now posing a serious threat to Inter's title defence. As reported by The Guardian, Inter had dropped just two points all season prior to the derby, but the loss to Milan has opened up the title race. With the win, Milan has demonstrated its attacking prowess and tactical flexibility, which could be crucial in the remaining matches of the season. [1]

According to The Guardian, the derby win was Milan's first major test under Amorim, and the team's performance has put rivals on notice. The win has also highlighted the team's ability to adapt to different tactics and formations, which could be an important factor in the title race. As The Guardian noted, Amorim's decision to start Sankhou Diawara as left wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation paid off, with Diawara playing a key role in the team's victory. [1]

Milan's ability to sustain their current form and challenge for the title remains a question. The team's win over Inter is a significant result, but they still have a long way to go in the season. According to reports, Inter has shown resilience in recovering from difficult positions, which will make Milan's task more challenging. To mount a serious title challenge, Milan will need to be consistent and resilient, as the season is still in its early stages. [1]

Player Performances

Milan's 3-1 win over Inter was largely due to the impressive performances of several players, including Christian Pulisic, who scored the opening goal in the fourth minute with a powerful header from a cross by Diego Moreira. Adrien Rabiot also stood out, scoring the second goal in the 10th minute with a skillful flick at a corner, while Moreira delivered flawless crosses throughout the game, justifying Milan's decision to sign him from Strasbourg for over €50m. The team's victory was a result of their well-rehearsed tactics and effective execution, with Pulisic and Rabiot's goals being notable examples of their design and teamwork. [1]

The performance of Sankhoun Diawara, who was named as the left wing-back in a 3-4-2-1 formation, was also notable. Diawara's crossing paths with Rabiot and blocking Hakan Calhanoglu's attempts to track, allowed Rabiot to score the second goal. This rehearsed training ground routine showcased Milan's design and planning, which paid off in the match. [1]

What can be reasonably concluded from the player performances in the derby win is that Milan's squad has a good balance of experience and youth, with players like Pulisic, Rabiot, and Moreira making significant contributions. However, the question remains as to whether Milan can sustain its current form and challenge for the title, considering the team's previous inconsistency and the strength of their rivals. [1]

What did Milan's derby win mean for Amorim's side?

The significance of Milan's 3-1 win over Inter in the derby cannot be overstated, as it marks a strong start to the season for Ruben Amorim's team and puts their rivals on notice. With this win, Milan have demonstrated their ability to challenge for the title and have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in Serie A. The team's performance in the derby was impressive, with players like Christian Pulisic and Diego Moreira standing out. The win also highlights Amorim's tactical flexibility and his ability to make key decisions, such as starting Sankhoun Diawara as left wing-back, which paid off in the end. [1]

Published 2 November 2026 · By Sports Culture Desk. Read our editorial standards.