Amorim Overhaul: Allegri’s Four Loyalists Face Uncertain Futures at Milan

FolioPitch.com – 23 July 2026 | The transition from Massimiliano Allegri to Ruben Amorim at Milan has brought an immediate shake-up, with four players who were once pillars of Allegri’s system now needing to prove themselves anew. As La Gazzetta dello Sport reports, the GdS Four of Allegri’s trusted men must re-audition for places under Amorim, with Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers, Fikayo Tomori, and Davide Bartesaghi all facing uncertain roles.

The quartet, each a regular under Allegri, now finds itself at a crossroads. Amorim’s tactical philosophy—emphasizing a high defensive line, ball-playing defenders, and dynamic wing-backs—clashes with the skill sets that made them indispensable last season. According to the report, the GdS Four of Allegri’s trusted men must re-audition for places under Amorim or risk being sidelined or even transferred. This seismic shift highlights the chasm between Allegri’s pragmatic approach and Amorim’s progressive vision.

Matteo Gabbia, a Milan youth product who became a leader in Allegri’s low-block three-man defense, now appears ill-suited for Amorim’s high line. The arrival of Mario Gila, a faster, more aggressive ball-player, signals that Gabbia may slide to second choice. Similarly, Fikayo Tomori, once a Scudetto-winning stalwart, has struggled for form and technical reliability. With his contract expiring in under a year and no renewal in sight, a sale for €15-20m is being considered, with Juventus showing interest. Tomori’s situation exemplifies how the GdS Four of Allegri’s trusted men must re-audition for places under Amorim—or pack their bags.

Davide Bartesaghi, who rose from the Futuro project to a starting role under Allegri, now faces competition from Amorim’s preference for explosive, technical wing-backs like Theo Hernández. Bartesaghi’s technique is solid, but lacking pace, his permanent spot is at risk, especially if a new signing replaces Estupiñán. Alexis Saelemaekers, a balance provider on the flank, is also under threat. Amorim demands creativity and one-on-one ability, testing Samuel Chukwueze as a wing-back. Saelemaekers’ modest three goals and five assists last season fall short of the output Amorim expects, as demonstrated by Amad Diallo’s 15 goal contributions in four months. The GdS Four of Allegri’s trusted men must re-audition for places under Amorim, and for Saelemaekers, that means proving he can contribute more in the final third.

The article underscores a broader trend: Allegri’s loyalty to certain players is being overwritten by Amorim’s data-driven, high-intensity system. While two competitions—plus the Coppa Italia—mean minutes may still be available, the hierarchy is shifting. Gabbia, Tomori, Bartesaghi, and Saelemaekers are no longer automatic choices. Instead, they are auditioning for their futures, both at Milan and potentially elsewhere. As the season progresses, the GdS Four of Allegri’s trusted men must re-audition for places under Amorim—a phrase that encapsulates the uncertainty and pressure facing these once-reliable figures. For Milan, this ruthless evolution may be necessary to compete at the highest level, but for the players involved, it represents a career-defining moment.