Amorim’s San Siro Debut: Tactical Tweaks and Leao’s Galatasaray Exit Dominate Milan’s Venezia Showdown

FolioPitch.com – 29 August 2026 | MILAN — In a pre-match press conference that was as much about squad upheaval as it was about tactics, Ruben Amorim explains Milan changes on special debut and Leao sale, setting the tone for a crucial encounter at San Siro. The newly appointed AC Milan head coach, a lifelong supporter of the Rossoneri, is preparing to lead his boyhood club into their first home fixture of the Serie A season against Venezia, and the atmosphere is charged with both anticipation and uncertainty.

Amorim’s first competitive match in charge ended in a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Torino, thanks to goals from Alphadjo Cisse and substitute Adrien Rabiot. That result offered a glimpse of the resilience Amorim demands, but the real test begins now, under the floodlights of the iconic San Siro, where the fans expect a performance worthy of the club’s storied history. Speaking to DAZN Italia ahead of the match, Amorim did not hide his emotions. "It’s a special day today, of course me as a manager I’m just focused on the game, we need to win and play well," he said. "I know the first at home is always difficult, the team is anxious to show a good performance to the fans. It is going to be even more special if we win the game."

The headline news from Amorim’s team selection is the inclusion of two notable changes from the Torino win. Luka Modric, the veteran Croatian midfielder who joined Milan in the summer, earns his first Serie A start, replacing Ardon Jashari. Meanwhile, young full-back Davide Bartesaghi comes in for Pervis Estupinan. Both decisions were explained in detail by Amorim, who is keen to balance experience with the physical demands of facing a Venezia side that employs aggressive man-to-man marking.

"It’s a lot of things together, but of course Modric has experience to give us a little more calm in that area. Jashari also has quality, but the experience is different, Modric played 30 minutes with a lot of quality in the last game," Amorim explained. "Bartesaghi is about the movement, as Venezia play a lot man for man, so he has the physicality to cover a lot of runs. We try to balance the team, change some things, but the most important thing is the quality of the whole team."

Amorim also stressed the need for humility in the team’s approach, warning that pressing relentlessly is not always possible. "We know that sometimes we have to run a lot after the ball, we must be really humble and realise we cannot press all the time, so be ready to do other things too," he added. This pragmatic outlook suggests a coach who is still learning his squad’s limitations while implementing his own tactical philosophy.

However, the most contentious issue surrounding Milan’s recent days has been the impending departure of Rafael Leao. The Portuguese winger, once considered the future of the club, has been left out of the squad along with Samuele Ricci, Fikayo Tomori, Youssouf Fofana, Santiago Gimenez, and Warren Bondo, all of whom are awaiting transfers. Reports indicate that Leao is expected to appear at San Siro this evening to bid farewell to fans and teammates, with an agreement reached for his sale to Galatasaray. The deal is reportedly worth €43-45 million, plus €2 million in add-ons and a 20% sell-on clause for Milan.

When questioned about the morale of the dressing room amid such a significant squad overhaul, Amorim was resolute. "I think if you are here, you need to be here 100 per cent, and understand the team is the most important thing. What I remember from the big Milan teams is not just the quality of the players, it’s that every player fought for the team, and then some players you see as individuals," he noted. "Our biggest concern at the moment is about the team. If you play well and win games as a team, everyone becomes a special player, as you always have the individual."

The departure of Leao, in particular, marks the end of an era for Milan. The 27-year-old was instrumental in their Scudetto triumph in 2022 and has been a fan favourite for years. Yet Amorim’s comments suggest a ruthless focus on the collective over any single star. This philosophical stance aligns with his track record at previous clubs, where he often prioritised system over stardom.

As kick-off at San Siro approaches, Amorim’s words resonate strongly. His debut on home soil is laden with symbolism, not just because of the personal significance, but because it comes at a time of transition. The fans will be watching to see if the new manager can mould a cohesive unit from a squad in flux. With Rabiot still on the bench due to limited game time since the World Cup, and several key players already departing, the starting XI against Venezia will provide a clear indication of the direction Amorim intends to take.

The match itself is expected to be a test of Milan’s adaptability. Venezia, promoted back to Serie A, are known for their organised pressing and willingness to engage in individual duels across the pitch. Amorim’s decision to field Bartesaghi for his physical attributes suggests he has done his homework, while Modric’s inclusion is intended to provide composure in midfield, a quality that could prove vital in breaking down a stubborn Venezia defence.

Off the pitch, the club’s transfer activity is far from over, with Ricci, Tomori, Fofana, Gimenez, and Bondo all expected to secure moves before the window closes. This exodus of talent, combined with the arrival of new players under Amorim’s guidance, underscores a period of significant renewal at Milanello. The coach, however, remains unfazed by the turbulence. "We know that sometimes we have to run a lot after the ball," he reiterated, "but the team is bigger than any individual."

Amorim explains Milan changes on special debut and Leao sale with a level of clarity that will reassure supporters looking for stability. He acknowledges the emotional weight of the occasion but refuses to let sentiment cloud his judgment. The team that takes the pitch tonight will be a reflection of his vision, not of past laurels. As he put it, "If you play well and win games as a team, everyone becomes a special player."

In conclusion, Ruben Amorim’s first home match in charge of Milan is far more than just a routine Serie A fixture. It represents a new chapter for the club, defined by tactical adjustments, squad restructuring, and a firm commitment to team-first principles. The sale of Rafael Leao, while a poignant moment for many fans, has been handled with the same pragmatism that characterises Amorim’s approach. As he prepares to lead his side out at San Siro, the message from the coach is unmistakable: the team is the hero, not the individual. Whether that philosophy yields immediate results remains to be seen, but the early signs suggest that this Amorim-led Milan will be defined by collective effort and unwavering discipline.