Amorim: Milan Derby Feels More Like Portugal Than England as Rabiot, Gila and Moreira Return

FolioPitch.com – 30 October 2026 | AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim has stirred anticipation ahead of Saturday’s Derby della Madonnina by declaring that the Milan Derby is more similar to Portugal than England, while also confirming that Adrien Rabiot, Mario Gila and Diego Moreira are ready to return to the squad. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Amorim used the platform to discuss the unique atmosphere of the clash against Inter, the backing of owner Gerry Cardinale, and the challenges of rebuilding a team in the midst of a demanding season. The phrase Amorim Milan Derby more similar to Portugal than England Rabiot Gila and Moreira ready encapsulates the two major themes of his address: the cultural identity of the derby and the timely recovery of three key players.

Amorim, who previously coached in England, drew a sharp contrast between the football cultures he has experienced. “I think it’s a special match because it’s being played in the same city, and yesterday we saw the plans for the new stadium. It’s a unique rivalry, but there’s also a deep bond: two great teams in the same city sharing a stadium,” he said. “I don’t think you can find a context like this anywhere else; it’s truly special. But matches like this… well, if we look at Portuguese culture, the feeling is the same: the sense of responsibility for victory, the enthusiasm of the fans, are very similar. The football culture here is closer to that of Portugal.” He added that in England “there’s a great battle, but the spirit remains a bit more sporting,” whereas in Italy “you can feel that Latin element that we also experience in Portugal.” This observation makes the Amorim Milan Derby more similar to Portugal than England Rabiot Gila and Moreira ready narrative all the more compelling, as it frames the derby as a deeply emotional and culturally charged event.

The return of Rabiot, Gila and Moreira could not be more timely. All three returned to group training earlier this week, and Amorim confirmed they are available for selection. “They are ready to go to the team. We need to address in the morning if they can start and what the game plan is. We’ll see tomorrow,” he stated. Their availability provides a significant boost to a Milan side that has struggled for consistency, particularly in the recent Serie A defeat to Bologna. Amorim lamented the lack of training time since the international break, noting that “there hasn’t been any real time to train” and that “there are so many small things we’re missing simply because we don’t have the time to address them in training.” The return of the trio, therefore, offers both quality and fresh legs for a match that demands maximum intensity.

Amorim also addressed the public support from Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, who recently confirmed his trust in the coach. “I really appreciate Cardinale’s support. We already knew that we couldn’t create strong foundations with these issues over the season,” Amorim said. “It will take some time, but at the same time we want to win every game. When we don’t win, we feel it very hard. We need time to build the team and we know that good things take time to be in the sweet spot. It doesn’t take away the pain of losing. That is still there.” The coach reiterated that the Scudetto remains the ultimate objective, but stressed the importance of focusing on immediate improvements rather than long-term projections. “You always have to talk about the Scudetto as the main objective when you’re at Milan, but we’ve already dropped points and we need to fix things. We just have to focus on improving the team step by step,” he added.

On the opposition, Amorim was full of respect for Inter and their coach Cristian Chivu, though he joked that he has “zero envy” for his counterpart because he is “already in the right place, that is, at Milan and not at Inter.” He praised Inter’s ability to “play with their eyes closed” and their “extraordinary ability to read the moments of the game,” acknowledging the maturity and awareness that comes from winning numerous titles. Nevertheless, he insisted Milan are ready to fight. The Amorim Milan Derby more similar to Portugal than England Rabiot Gila and Moreira ready theme was further underlined when he discussed the emotional weight of the fixture, noting that “everyone knows it’s a special match, a special moment, and when you get to play it, the context doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter if you’re tired. You have to go out there and give it your all.”

Amorim also touched on the challenges facing striker Goncalo Ramos, attributing the forward’s difficulties primarily to team issues. “We control games well, but we play too far from the opponent’s goal. We need to raise our centre of gravity and the team on the pitch, spending more time in that area of the pitch to allow Ramos to play his game,” he explained. “He’s playing far from the goal because the team can’t push the opponent in the final thirty metres. I think we need time to correct this aspect as well.” The coach’s tactical analysis suggests that Milan’s attacking problems are systemic rather than individual, and that the return of key players like Rabiot and Moreira could help address the imbalance.

The derby will also serve as a backdrop to the unveiling of plans for the new stadium, which both Milan and Inter attended yesterday. Amorim admitted that he and Chivu had complained “a bit about the timing of the presentation” because their teams had played the night before, but he acknowledged that “everyone can say” they were enthusiastic about the new stadium. This shared project, according to Amorim, reflects the “deep bond” between the two clubs, even as they prepare to do battle on the pitch.

As Milan prepare for the derby, the focus will be on whether Amorim can translate his cultural observations and the return of key personnel into a winning performance. The coach’s insistence that the Amorim Milan Derby more similar to Portugal than England Rabiot Gila and Moreira ready storyline is not just about atmosphere but about tangible readiness on the field will be tested against an Inter side that knows how to win. With Cardinale’s backing and a clear vision for the future, Amorim remains steadfast in his approach. “If I embrace an idea, I certainly don’t change my mind. I can change the tactical system, sure, but I won’t change my conviction, and I’ll do everything I can to win and be successful here,” he concluded. The derby will be the next step in that journey, and Milan fans will hope that the Portuguese spirit Amorim speaks of can inspire a memorable victory.