The setback suffered in Europe against Benfica has opened a phase of deep analysis around Milan, putting the spotlight on the technical leadership. As highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gerry Cardinale's decision to appoint Ruben Amorim to the bench came at the end of a careful selection, driven by the desire to propose a modern, aggressive tactical philosophy aimed at dominating the game through ball possession. An ambitious programme, born from the shortcomings of the past season and supported by significant investments during the summer transfer window. Despite the empty slot and the doubts raised by the last 90 minutes, the Portuguese coach's position does not appear to be in question: the club confirms full confidence in its leader.

The environment on via Aldo Rossi, however, awaits an immediate turnaround in results and performances. The calendar offers no breaks and presents a crucial tour de force: nine tightly scheduled fixtures between Serie A and the Europa League, five of them away from home, starting with the upcoming home clash against Lecce.

Tactical solitude at the training centre to prepare the Rossoneri reaction

In this scenario of strong pressure, the coach is taking all responsibility onto himself. Emblematic the background reported by La Rosa: the day after the European knockout, the manager chose not to disconnect, spending the night directly inside Milanello's training centre to analyse the emerging issues. In the absence of executive figures dedicated to a strictly field-tactical discussion, the Portuguese is working personally to shield the squad.

After the encouraging signals shown in the opening successes against Torino and Venezia, the same coach has taken note of the drop in performance and ball-to-foot rhythm recorded in the recent outings. Milan's resurgence inevitably depends on regaining that brilliance and the athletic stamina needed to apply its playing principles.