Amorim says Milan 'played better games' than Salzburg rout as tactics stay under wraps ahead of Atalanta clash

Amorim downplays Salzburg rout

Ruben Amorim insists Milan have played better games than their 4-0 Europa League win over RB Salzburg, even as he keeps his tactical plans close to his chest before hosting Atalanta at San Siro.

The Rossoneri are unbeaten in Serie A this season but have dropped far too many points through some disappointing performances. They returned to form in Europe on Thursday, crushing Salzburg with a hat-trick from teenage sensation Alphadjo Cisse.

"We are improving as a team"

"I think we played better games than Salzburg, it's true we scored more goals there, but we are improving as a team and now need to find consistency in the small details," Amorim told Sky Sport Italia and DAZN Italia.

Asked about Milan's shape, the coach kept his cards close. "It's going to be clear when the game starts for everyone to understand. I'm not going to say now, because I don't want to, it's for the opponent to find out!"

Amorim added: "We have moments when we play with this starting XI, so you can see what's going to happen, but we need to be in the right spot to find the ball, find the right moment to press. Everyone knows Atalanta move well and the connections are there, so we need to be smart today."

Rotation and returning players

Luka Modric, Mario Gila, Diego Moreira and Goncalo Ramos all return after being rested midweek. Alexis Saelemaekers and Matteo Gabbia are long-term absentees and cannot be relied upon for rotation.

"It's for everything, to defend better, we need to attack better. We have an idea on which spaces the players need to go into based on their characteristics, and this in my view is the best XI for this game," Amorim said. "Every game is important, we want to win this evening, but also the next and the one after that."

Cisse left out of the starting XI

Cisse was expected to start after his hat-trick in Salzburg, but Amorim is resisting putting too much pressure on the 19-year-old. "Every game is a different story, the opponent is completely different. I am not going to use a player just because he did well in the last match, the characteristics are completely different."

"We must also remember Cisse is not accustomed to playing back to back games, so he needs to be ready to get on the pitch if he has the opportunity to score one more goal."

Kick-off at San Siro is at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).