Ruben Amorim's AC Milan Era Begins With Narrow Victory Over Torino in Serie A Opener

AC Milan launched their 2026-27 Serie A campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 away victory against Torino on Sunday, handing new head coach Ruben Amorim a successful debut. After a frustrating and scoreless first half at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, a rapid double strike midway through the second period secured the three points for the Rossoneri. The result provides immediate validation for Amorim's tactical overhaul and the club's extensive summer transfer business.[1][2][3]

The win marks a critical first step for Amorim, who arrived in Milan tasked with revitalizing a squad that stumbled to a disappointing fifth-place finish last season. By securing the victory, the Portuguese tactician became the first foreign manager to win his opening Serie A match in charge of Milan since Leonardo achieved the feat in August 2009. The victory also ended a two-year drought for Milan on the opening day of the league season.[4][7]

Ahead of the match, Amorim had emphasized the immense pressure on his squad, stating that Milan did not just want to win, but "needed to win" to validate their new project. He noted that the team's primary failing last season was a lack of focus against mid-table opposition, making the trip to Turin a vital early test of their mentality. "Torino tomorrow is the best team in the world," Amorim warned, demanding total concentration from his players.[5][6]

Torino, managed by former Milan defender Ignazio Abate, frustrated the visitors for much of the evening with a compact defensive block. Despite Milan dominating possession—holding 78 percent of the ball in the opening 25 minutes—club-record summer signing Gonçalo Ramos found himself isolated against a resolute Granata backline during the first half. The hosts, who entered the match on a seven-game unbeaten streak at home in official competitions, successfully stifled Milan's attacking rhythm before the break.[3][7]

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 64th minute following a decisive tactical reshuffle by Amorim. Substitute Adrien Rabiot, who had been introduced just eight minutes earlier alongside veteran Luka Modric, drove down the right flank and delivered a precise low cross. Debutant Alphadjo Cissé controlled the ball with his back to goal before turning and firing inside the far post to open his Serie A account with a spectacular finish.[1][2]

Less than two minutes later, Milan doubled their advantage, with Rabiot transitioning from provider to goalscorer. Modric initiated the sequence by finding Samuel Chukwueze on the edge of the penalty area. The Nigerian winger whipped a teasing cross to the back post, where Rabiot arrived perfectly to volley the ball into the roof of the net from close range, effectively sealing the match.[1][2]

The hosts refused to capitulate after falling behind and mounted a late surge. Substitute Che Adams managed to pull a goal back for Torino deep into stoppage time, ensuring a tense finale. However, Milan's defense, anchored by Mike Maignan and Strahinja Pavlović, held firm to claim the victory. The immediate impact of Amorim's second-half substitutions demonstrated the depth and tactical flexibility the Rossoneri hope will propel them back into title contention this season.[2]

For Torino, the defeat snaps a formidable home unbeaten run that stretched back to February. However, Abate's side showed enough defensive organization and late fighting spirit to suggest they will remain a difficult opponent at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino throughout the campaign. Meanwhile, Milan return to San Siro with maximum points, having successfully navigated one of the league's trickier opening-day fixtures.[3][4][7]