Amorim Hails Milan’s Character and Bartesaghi’s Attacking Verve in Udinese Win

FolioPitch.com – 26 October 2026 | Ruben Amorim declared himself “really happy and proud” of his Milan side after their 2-0 away victory over Udinese, and the coach was equally candid about Davide Bartesaghi, stating that the young Italian is Amorim Really proud of Milan Bartesaghi better offensively than defensively in his assessment of the player’s development. The Rossoneri arrived in Udine under pressure following a disappointing 3-0 Europa League defeat at Bournemouth, a match in which they played over an hour with ten men, but they responded with a disciplined and clinical performance at the Stadio Friuli.

Milan broke the deadlock in stunning fashion when Luka Modric took a quick free kick that released Christian Pulisic behind the offside trap, and the American finished with composure. Omari Hutchinson doubled the lead on the rebound after Ardon Jashari’s strike was parried, marking his first goal for the club. Goncalo Ramos also went close, his effort tipped onto the crossbar by Maduka Okoye, but there was a late concern as Ruben Loftus-Cheek limped off with an injury.

“I am really happy for them and really proud, because everything we talked about before the game, being competitive from the first minute, I think we did that today,” Amorim told DAZN Italia. “Even when we got tired in the second half, we controlled the game, so I am really happy with the team. Now we have to think about the next game.”

The victory was achieved with a heavily reshuffled lineup due to a lengthy absentee list that included Adrien Rabiot, Diego Moreira, Mario Gila, Samuel Chukwueze, Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers and Pietro Terracciano. Sankhoun Diawara and Fikayo Tomori made their first Serie A starts of the season, while Bartesaghi was handed a more advanced role as Amorim sought to expand his options. The coach’s decision to deploy Bartesaghi further forward was vindicated by an energetic display, and it was in this context that Amorim Really proud of Milan Bartesaghi better offensively than defensively became a recurring theme of his post-match comments.

“If you see the schedule in Europe, it’s impossible, because every game there’s a new muscular injury,” Amorim noted. “Everyone needs to be prepared. My job is not just to prepare to win the next game, that is what people want, but my job is also to help Milan in the future. For that, they need to play, they need to have the opportunity and feel that they are important. They need to work really hard, we have a lot of injuries today, and they showed they are ready to cope with the pressure of playing for this club. That’s also why I am really happy and proud, because when we are on the field, it is my responsibility.”

On Bartesaghi specifically, Amorim was forthright in his evaluation. “Bartesaghi did really well today, I think he is better offensively than defensively, he is an Italian boy, and if you see Bartesaghi I think he needs to improve his defensive side, be more aggressive in one against one. He crosses really well, his finishing has quality in training, he needs to get in the box more often. I think my problems with Bartesaghi are more defensively than offensively.” It was a remark that encapsulated the coach’s philosophy: Amorim Really proud of Milan Bartesaghi better offensively than defensively is not a criticism but a challenge for the young wide man to round out his game.

Despite dropping points earlier in the campaign, Milan remain unbeaten in Serie A and have drawn level with Roma on 18 points in joint third place. The coach acknowledged that time on the training pitch has been scarce. “We need time to work on several things, but we don’t have time sometimes even to address the problems we had in the last game. We are learning in the games, with videos, in team meetings, because for three weeks we have barely had any training. I am proud of these lads, because they are paying attention to everything.”

When asked about the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony, Amorim was typically single-minded. “If it’s not a Milan player, I don’t care! I just worry about who survives to play in two days,” he replied, highlighting the relentless fixture list that continues with a midweek round against Bologna. The sentiment underlined the balancing act he faces: managing a squad stretched by injuries while nurturing talents like Bartesaghi, whose attacking instincts are clear but whose defensive education continues. Once more, the message was unmistakable: Amorim Really proud of Milan Bartesaghi better offensively than defensively, and he is determined to help the youngster grow into a complete player.

In conclusion, Amorim’s Milan showed resilience and character to secure a valuable away win in difficult circumstances. The coach’s pride in his players was evident, and his honest appraisal of Bartesaghi’s strengths and weaknesses reflects a long-term vision for the club. With key players set to return and the fixture list unrelenting, Milan will need every member of the squad to contribute, and Amorim’s willingness to trust in youth could prove crucial as the season unfolds.