Amorim’s Rotation Gamble Fails Again as Milan Crash at Bournemouth

FolioPitch.com – 23 October 2026 | Ruben Amorim‘s tactical decisions are under fresh scrutiny after AC Milan‘s humbling 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth, with Il Giornale highlighting that the Giornale Rotation backfires again for Amorim as two areas draw scrutiny. The Italian newspaper pointed to ‘excessive turnover’ as a key factor in the Rossoneri’s collapse, reigniting debate over the Portuguese coach’s squad management during a congested fixture list.

The defeat at the Vitality Stadium exposed deep-rooted issues in Amorim’s selection policy, particularly his handling of the centre-forward position and the deployment of certain players in roles that do not suit their strengths. With four players injured and a demanding schedule, some rotation was inevitable, but the extent of the changes left Milan disjointed and lacking cohesion.

The Striker Conundrum

One of the most debated decisions was the choice of Goncalo Ramos’s replacement. Ramos remained in Milan with an injury that is not expected to be serious, but his absence forced Amorim to improvise. Last week, the coach opted to rest Ramos by starting 18-year-old Francesco Camarda against RB Salzburg. Camarda, who was designated in the summer as the first available backup for Ramos, delivered an anonymous performance—understandable for a player of his age and experience.

However, yesterday Amorim took a different approach, fielding 20-year-old Alphadjo Cisse as a lone striker. Cisse, despite his commendable willingness and fighting spirit, looked out of his depth. His characteristics do not align with the demands of a solo forward role, and the decision not only nullified his qualities but also created a difficult atmosphere around Camarda, who was left wondering about his place in the pecking order.

This is not the first time that the Giornale Rotation backfires again for Amorim as two areas draw scrutiny, and the pattern is becoming increasingly concerning. The lack of a settled attacking formula has left Milan’s forward line bereft of identity and potency.

Midfield and Defensive Concerns

Beyond the striker issue, two players in particular drew the magnifying glass: Pervis Estupinan and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Estupinan offered a confused and imprecise performance from a technical standpoint, struggling to cope with Bournemouth’s pressing and failing to provide any meaningful width or defensive solidity.

Loftus-Cheek, deployed as an attacking midfielder or second striker—a role that Amorim believes suits him—once again looked ill at ease. The Englishman’s soft approach to a game that demanded grit and physicality was evident, and he failed to impose himself on the contest. The magnifying glass is on these two players because they represent the emblem of some of Amorim’s repeated choices that aren’t working and which will need to be remedied.

It is not that Amorim is making all the wrong choices, but he is being let down by them. The Giornale Rotation backfires again for Amorim as two areas draw scrutiny, and the pressure is mounting on the coach to find solutions quickly.

What Went Wrong?

• Excessive turnover: Amorim made several changes that disrupted rhythm and understanding.
• Misfit striker: Cisse’s deployment as a lone forward highlighted a lack of suitable backup for Ramos.
• Underperforming stars: Estupinan and Loftus-Cheek failed to deliver in key moments.
• Injury crisis: Four absentees limited options, but rotation still seemed excessive.

The loss to Bournemouth is a stark reminder that Milan’s squad depth is not as robust as hoped, and Amorim’s rotation policy is under the microscope. The Giornale Rotation backfires again for Amorim as two areas draw scrutiny, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the coach can turn things around.

Conclusion

Amorim must quickly address the two glaring areas of concern—the striker situation and the roles of Estupinan and Loftus-Cheek—if Milan are to avoid further setbacks. The rotation policy, while understandable given the schedule, cannot come at the cost of results. The Giornale Rotation backfires again for Amorim as two areas draw scrutiny, and the coach’s ability to adapt and learn from these mistakes will define his tenure. Milan fans will be hoping that this defeat serves as a wake-up call rather than a sign of deeper problems.