Mazzara Inacio Needed After Gabbia Injury But Amorim Must Answer Formation Question

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | AC Milan‘s recent 1-1 draw against Sassuolo has reignited concerns about the team’s consistency, and according to journalist Pietro Mazzara, Mazzara Inacio needed after Gabbia injury but Amorim must answer formation question. The Rossoneri’s defensive frailties were exposed again, with Matteo Gabbia suffering a left leg flexor injury that could sideline him for weeks. This development has intensified calls for the club to sign a centre-back in January, with Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inacio emerging as a top target.

Mazzara, in his column for MilanNews, highlighted Milan‘s lack of quality and personality, stating that the team “lacks a clear soul.” The draw against Sassuolo, following a promising 3-0 win over Lecce, underscored the inconsistency that has plagued Milan this season. Mazzara Inacio needed after Gabbia injury but Amorim must answer formation question, as the coach must decide whether to persist with a back four or switch to a three-man defence, which would require different profiles in the transfer market.

Defensive Crisis Deepens

Gabbia’s injury leaves Milan thin at the back, with only Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw, and Strahinja Pavlovic as senior centre-backs. The club’s failure to replace Simon Kjaer in the summer is now coming back to haunt them. Mazzara emphasised that Inacio’s signing is “needed” to shore up the defence, but the formation question looms large. Amorim, who has favoured a 4-2-3-1 at Milan, may need to adapt his tactics to accommodate a three-man defence, which would also impact the type of full-backs and wingers required.

The Portuguese coach has been under pressure to deliver results, and the upcoming Europa League clash against Salzburg on Thursday takes on added significance. Mazzara noted that the team’s technical and qualitative shortcomings could prove detrimental in the long run. “There are flashes of brilliance, dazzling flashes, but also significant returns to the starting line,” he wrote. “This team still lacks a clear soul.”

January Transfer Window: A Crossroads

With the winter window approaching, Milan’s recruitment strategy hinges on Amorim’s preferred system. Mazzara Inacio needed after Gabbia injury but Amorim must answer formation question, as the coach must clarify whether he wants a four-man or three-man defence. Inacio, a left-footed centre-back, would suit either system, but his arrival could signal a shift to a back three. Additionally, Milan are in the market for a full-back and an attacking player with personality and talent to raise the bar. The name of Endrick has been circulating at Casa Milan, and a move for the Brazilian wonderkid could be on the cards in January.

However, Mazzara also raised concerns about the management of Francesco Camarda. The young striker, who renewed his contract in the summer, was touted as the alternative to Gonçalo Ramos, but has been given few minutes. “Either they truly believe it, or they made a mistake in the summer in not wanting to sign another striker,” Mazzara said. Ramos himself has struggled to find scoring opportunities, often dropping deep to collect the ball, which empties the penalty area. In a team lacking personality in front of goal, this problem becomes more pronounced.

Amorim’s Tactical Dilemma

Amorim’s decision on formation will have far-reaching implications. A back four would require a more traditional centre-back pairing, while a back three would demand wing-backs with high stamina and attacking output. Milan’s current squad is more suited to a four-man defence, but the lack of a reliable left-footed centre-back has been a persistent issue. Inacio would solve that problem, but his acquisition alone may not be enough. The team also needs a dynamic full-back and a creative attacker who can unlock defences.

Mazzara Inacio needed after Gabbia injury but Amorim must answer formation question, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Milan’s season. The draw against Sassuolo was a wake-up call, and the match against Salzburg will test the team’s character. As Mazzara put it, “being undefeated in the league isn’t enough to be satisfied,” especially when the performances have been unconvincing.

Conclusion

AC Milan find themselves at a crossroads. The injury to Gabbia has exposed the squad’s lack of depth in defence, making the signing of Gonçalo Inacio a priority. However, before any moves are made, Ruben Amorim must decide on his preferred formation, as it will dictate the profile of players needed. The January window presents an opportunity to address these issues, but failure to do so could see Milan’s season unravel. With key matches on the horizon, the pressure is on Amorim and the management to get it right. The Rossoneri faithful will be hoping that the team can rediscover its soul and mount a serious challenge on all fronts.