Amorim Hails Milan’s Resilience in Udinese Win But Demands Defensive Improvements

FolioPitch.com – 26 October 2026 | Ruben Amorim was left feeling both delighted and reflective after AC Milan‘s 2-0 victory over Udinese on Saturday, a result that steadied the ship following a disappointing midweek defeat at Bournemouth. The Portuguese coach admitted he was Amorim happy and proud after Udinese win but knows areas Milan must improve, particularly in the defensive third, as the Rossoneri navigated a mounting injury crisis to secure a crucial three points.

Milan’s performance in Udine was a far cry from the lackluster display in England, with Christian Pulisic opening the scoring early before Omari Hutchinson netted his first goal for the club in the second half to seal a comfortable win. The clean sheet was a welcome sight for Amorim, whose side has struggled to keep opponents at bay for much of the campaign. The victory lifts Milan back into the top four ahead of a pivotal week that sees them face Bologna and Inter at San Siro.

Amorim’s Pride in Squad Depth

Speaking to DAZN after the final whistle, Amorim emphasized his satisfaction with the team’s ability to compete despite missing several key players through injury. “I’m happy for the players and proud,” he said. “We said we wanted to be competitive right away, and we proved it. I’m really happy and proud for the team, now we have to focus on the next one.”

The coach also highlighted the importance of developing Milan’s younger players, especially given the congested fixture schedule. “If you see the schedule in Europe, it’s impossible, because every game there’s a new muscular injury,” he explained. “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.”

Amorim’s commitment to youth was evident in his praise for Bartesaghi, who impressed on the left flank. “Bartesaghi did really well today,” he noted. “I think he is better offensively than defensively. 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.”

Areas for Improvement

Despite the positive result, Amorim was candid about the work still needed. “We have a lot of things to work on,” he admitted. “But I’m proud because we haven’t had time to address what went wrong in the last match. We’ve barely had a chance to work on the pitch, only on video. To be honest, we haven’t been training in the last few weeks, so I’m really proud.”

The defensive frailties that have plagued Milan this season were not entirely erased, even against a struggling Udinese side. Amorim acknowledged that his team must tighten up at the back, particularly in one-on-one situations and when defending crosses. The coach’s comments suggest that while the win was satisfying, he is fully aware that Amorim happy and proud after Udinese win but knows areas Milan must improve if Milan are to challenge for silverware.

Indeed, the phrase Amorim happy and proud after Udinese win but knows areas Milan must improve encapsulates the delicate balance between celebrating progress and recognizing shortcomings. The Portuguese tactician’s willingness to publicly identify weaknesses is a sign of his determination to build a sustainable project at San Siro.

Looking Ahead

With crucial matches against Bologna and Inter on the horizon, Amorim’s focus is already shifting to the next challenge. “I have no idea,” he joked when asked about the Ballon d’Or. “If he’s not a Milan player, I don’t care. I’m thinking about who will survive to play in two days.”

The injury crisis shows no signs of abating, but the emergence of young talents like Bartesaghi and Hutchinson offers hope. Amorim’s ability to rotate his squad and maintain competitiveness will be tested to the limit in the coming weeks. The coach’s emphasis on player development and his pride in their resilience are clear indicators of his long-term vision for Milan.

As the Rossoneri prepare for a daunting double-header at San Siro, the victory over Udinese serves as a timely confidence boost. However, the underlying issues remain: defensive solidity, tactical discipline, and the ability to cope with pressure. Amorim knows that Amorim happy and proud after Udinese win but knows areas Milan must improve is not just a catchy headline but a genuine reflection of the work ahead.

In conclusion, Milan’s win over Udinese was a step in the right direction, but it was not a flawless performance. Amorim’s pride in his players is justified, yet his acknowledgment of the areas that require improvement is equally important. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Rossoneri can build on this result and address their weaknesses. For now, the coach and his team can enjoy the victory, safe in the knowledge that they have the character to overcome adversity—even if the journey is far from complete.