Milan must change its pace and prepare for a challenge that can already weigh heavily on its European journey. Against Benfica in the first matchday of the Europa League group stage, the team of Ruben Amorim cannot afford lapses in concentration. Starting well would be essential not only for the standings but also to send a signal to opponents and strengthen the convictions of a group still searching for its definitive identity.

The new format of European competitions makes every match particularly important. There is no longer a traditional group in which the same three teams are faced twice and the possibility of recovering immediately after a misstep. Each opponent presents different characteristics and every point lost can complicate the path to direct qualification for the next phase.

Benfica therefore represents an obstacle to be faced with the utmost attention. The Portuguese side traditionally possesses technical quality, intensity and players accustomed to international matches. Milan will need to avoid giving up space, especially in transitions, and show a defensive solidity higher than that shown in some moments of the early league fixtures.

Amorim must find balance without sacrificing quality

Amorim's priority will be to identify the correct balance between the two phases. Milan has numerous offensive players capable of creating superiority and inventing a play, but must manage to keep the right distances when they lose the ball. Against an organized team like Benfica, leaving spaces between midfield and defence could become extremely dangerous.

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An aggressive, but not frantic, Milan will be needed. The team must have the patience to manage possession, choosing the right moment to increase the tempo. In this sense, the quality of the wide‑forward players and Gonçalo Ramos' ability to provide references inside the penalty area will be decisive. Substitutions could also play a decisive role in a match that might remain balanced until the final minutes.

Winning immediately would also help the league campaign

An opening victory would have positive psychological consequences. Milan would approach the next European fixtures with greater serenity, avoiding the need to chase results from the first matchdays. Moreover, a win against a prestigious opponent could accelerate the group's growth process and increase confidence in the new coach's ideas.

The Europa League must be seen as a concrete objective. Milan, by history and ambition, cannot treat this competition as a secondary commitment. Managing energy will be important, but making excessive rotations already against Benfica could send the wrong message.

Starting well would not automatically guarantee a long run, but it would allow the Rossoneri to lay solid foundations immediately. Conversely, a false start would increase pressure and reduce the margin for error in subsequent games. Therefore, against Benfica Milan will need to be mature, balanced and hungry: in Europe every detail can change a season.