Torino open their season at home against a Milan side missing several key attackers, including Leao and Pulisic, which could level a historically competitive fixture. The last two meetings in Turin both went Torino's way, and with Giovanni Simeone leading the line they have a…
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Sign inAC Milan begin their 2026-27 Serie A campaign away to Torino on Sunday 23 August, kick-off 20:45 CEST, for what will be Ruben Amorim’s first competitive match in charge of the Rossoneri. The fixture comes with significant selection questions as several key attackers remain on the treatment table.
Milan will definitely be without USMNT winger Christian Pulisic, who is still recovering from a bone bruise and micro-fracture in his right leg sustained during the World Cup last-16 defeat to Belgium. The 27-year-old has returned to partial training but is not yet ready for match action. Striker Santiago Giménez is also ruled out, with Porto closing in on a permanent move for the Mexican.
There is cautious optimism over Rafael Leão and Matteo Gabbia. Leão missed the final pre-season friendly against Manchester United with muscle fatigue, while Gabbia has been nursing an ankle knock. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports both could rejoin the group this week and be available for selection. Mike Maignan is expected to start in goal after confirming his readiness following a late return from holiday. Adrien Rabiot only resumed training on Sunday after his post-World Cup break and may be short of match fitness, while summer signing Gonçalo Ramos is pushing for a starting berth after cameo appearances in pre-season.
Milan rounded off their summer programme with a 4-2 victory over Manchester United in Wrocław, a performance that lifted spirits after a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in their previous outing. Across those friendlies Amorim experimented with a 3-4-2-1 shape, using Alexis Saelemaekers and Samuel Chukwueze in advanced wide roles behind a lone striker. The Portuguese coach has spoken of a clear vision for Pulisic once fit – “with the right foot on the left side, it is the perfect position for him” – but will need to find a temporary solution for the opening weekend.
Torino, meanwhile, have undergone their own summer rebuild but keep their core structure under new management. They will look to exploit any Milan uncertainty in the wide areas where the visitors’ wing-back options remain limited after a summer of squad turnover.
If Ramos leads the line, his movement and finishing will test a Torino defence that prides itself on compactness. With Leão and Pulisic unavailable, much of Milan’s creative burden could fall to Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Chukwueze floating inside, making Ramos’s ability to link play and occupy both centre-backs decisive. The striker scored twice against Manchester United and appears sharp, but Serie A defending offers a different physical examination.
Milan host their first home fixture next weekend, while Torino travel to face a fellow mid-table rival. Three points on the opening night would give Amorim early breathing room and settle a squad still in flux with the transfer window open. For now, all eyes are on who boards the team bus to Turin.
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