Gazzetta warns Amorim's demanding system risks burning out Milan after 3-2 Atalanta win

San Siro saw a familiar pattern

AC Milan extended their unbeaten start to the 2026-27 Serie A season with a 3-2 victory over Atalanta on Sunday evening, but the manner of the win has raised familiar concerns in the Italian press.

Milan were 3-0 up after an hour at San Siro through Goncalo Ramos, Adrien Rabiot and Mario Gila. Record signing Ramos even had the chance to make it four from the penalty spot but could not convert at the second attempt. From there, Atalanta grew back into the contest, with Gianluca Gaetano pulling one back in the 66th minute and Nikola Krstovic reducing the deficit further in the 81st. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan was required to make several important saves to preserve the three points.

Gazzetta's verdict

La Gazzetta dello Sport argued Milan are "on the right track" under recently-appointed head coach Ruben Amorim, yet identified a "growing issue." The Pink Paper suggested Amorim's system simply demands too much from his players on a physical level, which may explain why the team appear unable to sustain their performance level for the full 90 minutes.

Cause for optimism

There was also credit for Amorim's management. The Portuguese was able to make seven changes to his starting XI following Thursday's 4-0 Europa League victory over RB Salzburg and still score three league goals against Atalanta. La Gazzetta dello Sport praised Milan's ability to create attacking chances and the fact that the side are beginning to show more "identity."

Amorim's own admission

The concern echoes the coach's own assessment in reporting from 19 October, when Amorim acknowledged the final stages exposed work still to be done after Milan lost control and conceded twice late on, while insisting the late wobble would not erase the progress he saw in the performance.