AC Milan made a winning start to the 2026-27 Serie A season after beating Torino 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Monday, August 24. The result gave Ruben Amorim three valuable points in his first Serie A campaign with the Rossoneri.
The match was far from easy for Milan. Torino defended with discipline and made it difficult for the visitors to create clear opportunities during the opening stages. However, the game changed dramatically after halftime.
Alphadjo Cisse finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute with a precise finish into the top-right corner. Three minutes later, Adrien Rabiot doubled Milan’s advantage after coming off the bench.
Torino managed to pull one goal back through Che Adams in the 90+3rd minute, but Milan held on to secure victory.
Rabiot was undoubtedly the biggest difference-maker. The French midfielder contributed one goal and one assist after entering the game, while Samuel Chukwueze also produced an energetic performance throughout the match.
Milan’s Defence Remains Solid
Milan’s defensive unit did a respectable job for most of the evening. Torino struggled to create consistent danger and recorded only one shot on target before Adams scored during stoppage time.
Mike Maignan had relatively little to do. The goalkeeper was unable to prevent Adams’ spectacular late finish, but there was little he could have done to stop the acrobatic effort.
Matteo Gila was arguably Milan’s most convincing defender. He showed confidence when carrying the ball and regularly looked for vertical passes to move the team forward. His only notable setback came during a duel with Njie.
Koni De Winter also improved as the match progressed. An early clearance looked somewhat uncertain, but he became increasingly composed and helped limit Torino’s attacking threat.
Strahinja Pavlovic was similarly dependable. He protected his area well, although there were moments when he could have been more aggressive in challenges. His contribution in possession was also relatively limited.
Overall, Milan’s defence provided a stable foundation for the victory.
Chukwueze Leads Milan’s Midfield Energy
Samuel Chukwueze stood out as one of Milan’s most active players. Operating from the right side, he constantly looked to create space and challenge Torino’s defensive structure.
His cross for Rabiot’s goal was particularly important. Chukwueze also showed a willingness to track back and help the defence, adding balance to his attacking contribution.
Yunus Musah also responded well to questions surrounding his role. His energy was valuable throughout the match as he won possession, closed down spaces and helped Milan circulate the ball.
Ardon Jashari was reasonably effective in moving possession around the pitch. He frequently switched the direction of attacks, although inconsistent control prevented him from producing a more complete performance.
Pervis Estupinan endured a tougher night. His attacking influence was limited, while he struggled at times to match Torino’s pace on the flank. His partnership with Cisse also lacked consistency.
The midfield ratings highlight an important point for Amorim: Milan have energy and quality, but their combinations still need time to develop.
Cisse Delivers After Early Missed Chances
Alphadjo Cisse experienced a mixed evening before becoming one of Milan’s heroes.
The forward missed two opportunities during the first half, which could have increased pressure on the Rossoneri. Instead of allowing those misses to affect his confidence, Cisse responded in the best possible way.
In the 64th minute, he produced a composed finish into the top-right corner to give Milan the lead.
The goal demonstrated his ability to remain calm after earlier mistakes. Cisse ultimately earned a rating of 7 for his contribution.
Goncalo Ramos worked hard throughout the game but found limited opportunities in dangerous areas. His overall contribution remained useful within Milan’s attacking structure, even without getting on the scoresheet.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek had a more frustrating outing. He appeared passive during the first half and failed to make the most of several opportunities. His influence declined further once Rabiot entered the match and immediately changed the tempo.
Rabiot Becomes the Match-Changer
Adrien Rabiot was clearly Milan’s standout performer.
The midfielder entered the game during the second half and needed very little time to make an impact. He first provided the assist for Cisse before scoring himself just three minutes later.
His positioning was excellent, allowing him to arrive in dangerous areas at the right moments.
Rabiot’s performance earned him a rating of 7.5, the highest among Milan players.
His influence was important for several reasons:
- He immediately increased Milan’s attacking intensity.
- His movement created problems for Torino’s midfield.
- He supplied the assist for Cisse’s opener.
- He scored Milan’s second goal just three minutes later.
- His positioning suggested he can contribute in a more offensive role.
The performance could give Amorim another tactical option for upcoming matches.
Modric Adds Calmness in the Closing Stages
Luka Modric also played a useful role after coming onto the pitch.
The veteran midfielder helped Milan regain control of the centre of the pitch. His experience and composure were particularly valuable when Torino pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Modric’s ability to slow the tempo and make intelligent decisions gave Milan greater control during the final stages.
However, Torino’s late goal ensured that Milan could not relax completely.
Che Adams’ finish in the 90+3rd minute made the final moments unnecessarily tense, but the Rossoneri managed to protect their lead until the final whistle.
A Positive Start for Ruben Amorim
Milan’s 2-1 victory over Torino was not a flawless performance, but it was an encouraging opening result for Ruben Amorim.
The Rossoneri showed patience after struggling to break Torino’s resistance, while their substitutes ultimately provided the decisive spark.
Rabiot’s display was the biggest positive. His one goal and one assist demonstrated how influential he can be when given freedom to attack.
Chukwueze also showed plenty of promise, while Cisse responded impressively after missing early chances.
There is still plenty for Amorim to improve, particularly in Milan’s attacking consistency and combinations across the midfield. However, starting a new Serie A era with three points is exactly what the Portuguese coach would have wanted.
For now, Milan can celebrate a hard-earned victory. And if Rabiot can reproduce this kind of impact regularly, the Rossoneri may have discovered one of their most valuable weapons for the new season.
ALSO READ :
