On September 17, 2026, AC Milan faced a disappointing start to their Europa League campaign, suffering a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Benfica at San Siro. This match laid bare several critical issues within the Rossoneri’s squad that cannot be overlooked.
Benfica struck first, with Dodi Lukebakio finding the net in the 16th minute, followed by Jakub Kaminski scoring just after the second half commenced. While AC Milan had opportunities to respond, their offensive efforts were insufficient to break through the defenses of their Portuguese opponents. This loss highlighted the consequences of head coach Ruben Amorim’s attempted playing style. When pressure, intensity, pressing, and creativity are not in sync, Milan’s game inevitably leaves significant gaps for the opposition to exploit.
Milan’s Struggles Under New Tactics
Ruben Amorim envisions a team that plays aggressively and dominates the match flow. This strategy diverges from the more conservative approach of former coach Massimiliano Allegri, who prioritized narrow victories and defensive solidity. The issue at hand is that aggressive play demands high technical quality and intense efforts from every player. When Milan fails to apply consistent pressure or create scoring chances, their structural integrity collapses, as evidenced in the clash against Benfica.
The Rossoneri lacked a constant threat in front of the goal, allowing Benfica ample space to attack. For example, the first goal was a clear indication of defensive fragility; just before Lukebakio scored, he had already threatened on the right flank, but Milan defenders Davide Bartesaghi and Ardon Jashari failed to adjust, granting Lukebakio another opportunity to punish them. The second goal illuminated communication issues, as El Karouani had plenty of time to spot Kaminski unmarked before delivering a precise assist that was converted effortlessly.
Offensive Woes Compound Defensive Problems
The problems for AC Milan extend beyond their defense. Their inability to find the back of the net makes every defensive mistake increasingly costly. Over the first five matches of the season, they have conceded six goals and kept only one clean sheet, which occurred against Venezia. These statistics are troublingly compounded by the lack of consistent productivity from their frontline.
For Amorim, the defensive lapses might not be the most pressing concern if the team were able to score frequently. However, when the attack stagnates while the defense continues to present vulnerabilities, this philosophy places AC Milan in a precarious position. The defeat against Benfica starkly illustrated this dilemma.
The Rossoneri must enhance their performance on both sides of the pitch to ensure that the aggressive style Amorim desires does not become a recurring weakness that rivals can exploit. Adjustments are necessary, as the team navigates the complexities of their newfound approach while aiming for success in the highly competitive landscape of European football.
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