Amorim’s Derby Decisions Looming: Chukwueze, Fofana, Loftus-Cheek and More to Shape Milan’s Future

FolioPitch.com – 04 August 2026 | Ruben Amorim is on the cusp of finalizing his AC Milan squad, with a string of high-profile players set to come under the spotlight in the upcoming derby against Inter. GdS Chukwueze Fofana Loftus-Cheek and more Amorim to continue evaluations in derby, as the Portuguese coach looks to uncover his ideal XI for the season ahead.

Now that his squad is almost complete, Amorim can start to get a clear picture of his team’s strengths and weaknesses. He’s not bound by preconceptions, with all players having given their full availability and adapting to new roles where necessary. Once he returns to Italy, he’ll be reunited with Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot, and the injured Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez. In the meantime, he’s been evaluating those on tour.

Wing-backs are a key area of focus, with Samuel Chukwueze impressing in his right wing-back role in a 3-4-2-1 formation. His positive experiment against Celtic will be put to the test in the derby, where Amorim will also give Pervis Estupinan his preseason debut on the other flank. The Ecuadorian was close to joining Aston Villa, but Amorim blocked his transfer, giving him a chance to convince the manager and redeem himself after a disappointing last season.

Alexis Saelemaekers is another player to keep an eye on, with the Belgian potentially playing as an inverted wing-back on the left. However, he remains an option on the right, where he’s consistently played for AC Milan, Bologna, and Roma.

De Winter and the defence

Koni De Winter was deployed as a central centre-back in the three-man back line, in the Matteo Gabbia role. Massimiliano Allegri also deployed him as an outside centre-back in his 3-5-2. In addition to Fikayo Tomori – who has suitors and could leave – De Winter will be evaluated as the lynchpin of the three-man defence. It remains to be seen whether he adapts to moving the ball around with pace and precision, two of Amorim’s key requirements.

In addition, Sankhoun Diawara is auditioning to be Strahinja Pavlovic’s deputy. For the Frenchman, who recently arrived from Troyes, these are the first tactical exercises leading up to his derby debut. The possibility of acquiring another defender, perhaps an elite passer, is not ruled out. However, David Odogu’s departure (on loan) and Tomori’s sale is required, otherwise the Rossoneri risk finding themselves overstretched.

The midfielders

The two starters are Luka Modric and Rabiot, but the latter is not in Perth and the Croatian can only play a short time tomorrow before facing Chelsea in Jakarta on Saturday. Ardon Jashari will remain in the squad, with Youssouf Fofana, Yunus Musah, and Samuel Ricci still battling. The latter returned yesterday after a serious case of tonsillitis and will be evaluated in the coming days. Fofana and Musah, on the other hand, have the potential to secure a permanent spot, or at least boost their performances.

Musah has the advantage of being able to be deployed on the flank, a factor not to be underestimated. And let’s not forget the young Christian Comotto, who has shown some interesting promise, but must show he deserves regular game time in 2026-27.

Attacking midfielders

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is the option Amorim wants to test as one of the two attacking midfielders. He’s already been used in this role throughout his career, so it’s not entirely new to him. Clearly, he has different characteristics compared to Rafael Leao, Christopher Nkunku (who will be on the right) and Christian Pulisic, but over the course of a season, he could be important due to his physique and experience. Amorim knows him and wants to see if it can work.

Finally there is Aurelien Guernier, signed from Birmingham, officially for Milan Futuro. He will be closely monitored and could get a decent portion of the match against Inter.

As the derby approaches, Amorim’s decisions will shape Milan’s future. The keyword GdS Chukwueze Fofana Loftus-Cheek and more Amorim to continue evaluations in derby will be crucial in determining the team’s starting XI for the season ahead.

With so many talented players vying for a spot, the competition is fierce. However, Amorim’s experience and tactical acumen will be put to the test as he navigates the complex web of player preferences and team requirements. The stage is set for a thrilling derby, with the outcome hanging precariously in the balance. Will Amorim’s decisions pay off, or will the Rossoneri fall short of their expectations? Only time will tell.