Milan’s Set-Piece Woes: Amorim Urged to Fix Achilles Heel After Early Season Struggles

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | AC Milan‘s start to the 2026-27 season has been marred by a glaring defensive vulnerability: conceding goals from set-pieces. As highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the issue has quickly become a major concern for new manager Ruben Amorim, with the Rossoneri already shipping several goals from dead-ball situations. Indeed, GdS Set-pieces an early Achilles heel for Milan to fix under Amorim the numbers reveal a worrying trend that could derail their campaign if left unaddressed.

In just six games across all competitions, Milan have conceded from a free-kick against Torino, a last-gasp free-kick against Juventus, and a corner against Sassuolo. The pattern is clear: Milan struggle to defend set-pieces, and opponents are exploiting this weakness. The problem was also evident in pre-season friendlies against Chelsea and Manchester United, suggesting it is not a fleeting issue but a systemic flaw.

The latest setback came in yesterday’s match against Sassuolo, where Milan surrendered a lead just five minutes after Adrien Rabiot had put them ahead. A low corner from the left by Lauriente was dummied by Josh Doig at the near post, and the ball somehow found its way into the net through a crowd of bodies, with every Milan defender rooted to the spot. Rabiot’s post-match frustration was palpable, and his comments underscored the team’s collective disappointment.

According to GdS Set-pieces an early Achilles heel for Milan to fix under Amorim the numbers, the statistics paint a damning picture. Milan have already conceded more goals from set-pieces than they did in the entire first half of last season. This defensive frailty is particularly troubling given Amorim’s reputation for tactical discipline and defensive organization. The Portuguese coach, who arrived with high expectations, now faces the immediate challenge of shoring up his backline.

The goals conceded have come in various forms: a stunning strike from Che Adams after a Gineitis free-kick, a last-second header by Federico Gatti from a Teun Koopmeiners free-kick, and Odenthal’s improvised finish from a corner. Each goal highlights different deficiencies—poor marking, lack of concentration, and an inability to deal with second balls. These are fundamental issues that require urgent attention on the training ground.

As GdS Set-pieces an early Achilles heel for Milan to fix under Amorim the numbers indicates, the problem is not just about individual errors but also about the team’s overall defensive setup. Milan’s players often appear flat-footed and reactive rather than proactive when defending set-pieces. The lack of communication and organization is evident, and opponents have been quick to capitalize.

Amorim must now find solutions. This could involve a change in marking schemes, perhaps switching from zonal to man-marking or vice versa, or simply dedicating more training time to defensive drills. The coach might also consider personnel changes, bringing in players with better aerial ability or a stronger defensive mindset. Whatever the approach, it is clear that Milan cannot afford to continue conceding from set-pieces if they hope to compete for major honors.

The upcoming fixtures will provide an immediate test. Milan face a series of matches against teams known for their set-piece prowess, and any repeat of these mistakes could prove costly. The coaching staff will be under pressure to rectify the issue quickly, as dropped points from dead-ball situations could ultimately decide the fate of their season.

In conclusion, Milan’s set-piece defending is a glaring weakness that must be addressed urgently. The numbers highlighted by GdS Set-pieces an early Achilles heel for Milan to fix under Amorim the numbers serve as a wake-up call. Amorim and his staff have the tactical acumen to turn things around, but time is of the essence. If Milan can shore up this aspect of their game, they will be a much tougher proposition for any opponent. Failure to do so, however, could see their ambitions unravel before the season truly gets underway.