Amorim confirms Pulisic return amid squad rotation plans

Lazio have won all three of their opening Serie A matches, entering Saturday’s clash with Milan on a wave of momentum following three consecutive league victories — though they exited the cup early. The match kicks off at 18:00 on 12 September 2026.

Amorim’s Tactical Preview of Lazio

Speaking at a Friday press conference, Milan head coach Ruben Amorim outlined his assessment of Lazio as “a team with a lot of pace” and “very aggressive”, noting they possess “a clear identity”. He described their build-up structure as involving four defenders and three midfielders, highlighting the signing of Frattesi as “a very excellent deal” that enhanced progression into the final third. Amorim also pointed to Lazio’s two “very superb wingers” in ball-handling ability and their new striker, adding that the side feels comfortable after its strong start to the campaign.

Pulisic’s Return and the Context of His Absence

Christian Pulisic has yet to appear in any official match for Milan this season. Amorim confirmed the U.S. international will play against Lazio — though he declined to specify whether Pulisic will start or enter from the bench. “I think you will see Pulisic,” the coach said. “I don’t know whether he will start or come on from the bench. I think he will play at least a few minutes now, and I love Pulisic.”

Amorim acknowledged Pulisic’s frustration: “Pulisic is angry at the moment because he has zero minutes, and I love that. I love this in my team’s players.” He attributed the absence to injury followed by a knock in the first training session, which interrupted Pulisic’s preparation before he resumed full training.

The Coach’s Selection Philosophy

“It doesn’t matter if you are a big player,” Amorim stated. “I don’t leave out players who are performing well to bring in any other player in the world. This is my way of life, and this is the way I will end my career.” He emphasized Pulisic’s importance to the squad, particularly given the upcoming fixture congestion: “After the break, we will have eight weeks playing three matches a week. I think they will get tired of playing, so there will be time for everyone.”

He reiterated: “Pulisic is very important to us and he will play many matches, but you must understand the context and the history and why I do things the way I do them. You will see him this week, and you won’t miss him much.”

Attacking Midfield Options and System Stability

Amorim confirmed he will continue with the 3-4-2-1 formation but remains undecided on his preferred starters in the attacking midfield roles. He assessed Adrien Rabiot as “a player who plays more box to box” and less accustomed to operating “between the lines”, preferring instead to “face the play directly”, though he praised Rabiot’s effectiveness “near the penalty area” and scoring ability.

Regarding Jordan Loftus-Cheek, Amorim noted he “plays with his right foot” and can occupy that role, but stressed the need for greater consistency: “He can be more ferocious, and be present in the match for 90 minutes and not just for five minutes, then disappear, then return.” He added that Sissie and Pulisic — both right-footed — also possess “excellent characteristics” for the position, with Pulisic specifically capable of performing “very well between the lines”.

Modric’s Role and the Team’s Ball Retention Priority

When asked whether Luka Modric limits Milan’s capacity for sustained pressing, Amorim responded: “Sometimes he doesn’t have the ability to press in every play.” Yet he immediately balanced that observation: “But there is the other side, which is that he controls the rhythm of the match very well.”

He concluded: “If there is one thing this team needs, it is understanding how to play with the ball. At the moment, Modric understands that better than the others. As a coach, I have to choose what I want more from the team. Sometimes we lack a little under pressure, but with the ball we have greater control. My message to the team is: if we have to lack something, it should be without the ball. But with the ball, we must be good or very excellent.”

Gattuso’s Legacy and Its Relevance Today

On Gennaro Gattuso, Amorim called him “one of Milan’s legends” and affirmed “his image is very important for our team at the current moment.” He cited Gattuso’s playing traits — “the passion he had while playing football, and the ferocity” — as qualities Milan must replicate. “Sometimes, more than talent, what we have lacked in recent years is that passion,” Amorim said. “He is a very excellent example for our team and for our current moment.”