GdS Milan Remain a Work in Progress: Four Major Issues Amorim Must Fix Quickly

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | AC Milan‘s start to the 2026-27 season has been anything but straightforward, and as La Gazzetta dello Sport highlights, GdS Milan remain a work in progress – four major issues Amorim must fix quickly. Despite being unbeaten in Serie A after seven games, the Rossoneri’s performances have failed to convince, and the latest draw against Sassuolo left a bitter taste, even for owner Gerry Cardinale. The optimism of an unbeaten run is tempered by the reality that Milan’s most convincing display remains their opening match against Torino, and the trend is not improving.

Inattention: A Costly Habit

One of the most glaring problems is Milan’s tendency to switch off at critical moments. After taking the lead against Sassuolo, they conceded three chances on the counter-attack within five minutes, appearing unbalanced and lacking focus. Coach Ruben Amorim was blunt: “We can’t concede goals like this from corners.” He emphasized the need to control the game after scoring, to suppress the opponent’s reaction. Luka Modric was on the pitch to provide that control, but it didn’t materialize. This lack of concentration and poor game management is a recurring theme that GdS Milan remain a work in progress – four major issues Amorim must fix quickly underscores as a priority.

Leadership: Experience Over Mentality

When questioned about a lack of leaders, Amorim dismissed it as a mentality issue, attributing it instead to inexperience. The squad is filled with young players unaccustomed to Serie A’s demands. Diego Moreira impressed in the first half but faded after the break. Gonçalo Ramos is still adapting to Italian football, while Pervis Estupinan was substituted at half-time. The introduction of Alphadjo Cisse and Omari Hutchinson, with a combined age of 41, highlighted the reliance on youth. The goal, orchestrated by Modric for Rabiot, showed the value of experience. Building leadership will take time, unless there are significant squad changes.

Bluntness: Struggling to Shoot

Milan’s attacking output is a concern. Before this round, they ranked 13th in shots attempted and last in shots from outside the box. They dominate possession but rarely pull the trigger. Their conversion rate has been excellent, but they need to shift gears. The eight shots against Sassuolo did little to alleviate the issue. Ramos often appears isolated, and Christian Pulisic only came alive with a late through ball to Chukwueze. Amorim dismissed long shots as a solution, citing that 90% of goals are scored inside the box. He stressed the need to improve crossing, especially with space on the outside. Davide Bartesaghi, who crosses well on the run, could offer a solution on the left. This bluntness is another reason why GdS Milan remain a work in progress – four major issues Amorim must fix quickly.

Identity: A Team in Flux

Milan seem to be different versions of themselves within the same match. At times they press high and raise the tempo, then they switch to a more measured approach. The 3-4-2-1 has morphed into a back-four in recent weeks, as seen after the break in Reggio Emilia. Rabiot admitted, “We adapt to our opponents; during the week, we work differently depending on the game.” While adaptability is valuable, it can be dangerous for a team still finding its identity. Amorim noted in September that winning buys time, but with a cold night in Salzburg looming on Thursday, rotation could further hinder cohesion. The lack of a settled identity is a core issue that GdS Milan remain a work in progress – four major issues Amorim must fix quickly brings to the fore.

Conclusion

Milan’s unbeaten start may look good on paper, but the underlying issues are clear. Inattention, a lack of leadership, bluntness in attack, and an unstable identity are holding the team back. Amorim must address these four major issues quickly if Milan are to become genuine contenders. The coming weeks, starting with the trip to Salzburg, will be crucial. Without swift improvements, the Rossoneri risk falling further behind in the title race and failing to meet the expectations of their ambitious ownership. The time for patchwork solutions is over; Amorim needs to forge a cohesive, ruthless unit.