Amorim faces Inter after Milan collapse

AC Milan’s search for stability in Serie A took a sharp turn downward on Wednesday evening. The club suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Bologna, a result that leaves them seven points behind league leaders Inter and Lazio. The loss sets the stage for a high-stakes derby against Inter this Saturday at San Siro, a match that could define the tenure of manager Ruben Amorim.

The game began with a lead for AC Milan. Alphadjo Cisse scored twice in the first half to put the home side up 2-1. Cisse has emerged as a standout performer for the team this season. However, the advantage evaporated quickly after the break. A second-half own goal by Davide Bartesaghi shifted momentum to Bologna, and Samuel Mbangula added a third goal to complete his hat trick before securing the final goal for a 4-2 finish.

Amorim, who took over from Manchester United, attributed the collapse to physical exhaustion. In a post-match interview with DAZN Italy, he noted that his squad is managing a heavy schedule with limited rotation options. "So many games, so many players out, a bit of fatigue set in," Amorim said. He added that the team struggled to maintain their pressing style throughout the full ninety minutes due to these constraints.

The manager acknowledged the difficulty of keeping energy levels high without frequent substitutions. "When we stop playing our football, we suffer," he stated. He also mentioned a late chance by Camarda to equalize, which the team failed to convert. Amorim emphasized that he does not intend to offer excuses but rather wants a squad that continues to improve despite the current physical demands.

Attention now shifts to Saturday’s match against Inter. Amorim stated that the club will assess player availability and preparation strategies in the coming days. "We’re Milan, and we always have to win," he said. The manager plans to finalize the starting lineup and tactical approach once the team completes its recovery and evaluation process.

This upcoming derby represents a critical moment for Amorim and club owner Gerry Cardinale. Cardinale replaced the previous coaching staff and sporting hierarchy in the summer, a decision that has not yet yielded the desired results on the pitch. A win against Inter could solidify Amorim’s position, while another poor performance may prompt further changes in the club’s leadership structure.