SBOTOP : Serie A Starts With a Bang Milan and Juventus Win Sassuolo Fall

AC Milanopened their Serie A 2026/27 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Torino at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Monday, August 24, 2026.

The Rossoneri controlled much of the match and deserved their three points, but the victory was far from comfortable. Torino continued to threaten until the final whistle, forcing Ruben Amorim’s side to remain focused throughout the contest.

Milan eventually broke the deadlock in the 64th minute through Alphadjo Cisse, who finished after receiving an assist from Adrien Rabiot. Just three minutes later, Rabiot turned provider into goalscorer by doubling Milan’s advantage from a Samuel Chukwueze assist.

Torino responded late through Che Adams in the 90+3rd minute, but the hosts ran out of time to complete a comeback.

For Milan, the result represents an encouraging start under Amorim and provides three valuable points to begin the new Serie A season.

Milan Dominate Possession and Chances

The statistics reflected Milan’s control for large periods of the match.

Amorim’s team recorded 59 percent possession and produced 19 shots, compared with eight attempts from Torino. The Rossoneri were therefore more active in possession and created considerably more opportunities.

However, Torino remained dangerous whenever they managed to break through Milan’s structure.

The home side forced the Milan defence into several difficult situations, particularly when they increased their pressure during the second half. That made the opening goal even more important.

Milan needed patience before eventually finding the breakthrough.

Several factors helped the Rossoneri control the game:

1. 59 percent possession allowed Milan to dictate the tempo.
2. 19 shots demonstrated their attacking intent.
3. Chukwueze’s movement created problems on the right flank.
4. Rabiot’s influence provided an important attacking boost.
5. Milan’s defensive structure held firm during Torino’s late pressure.

The performance was not perfect, but the overall balance was enough to secure victory.

Cisse Breaks the Deadlock

After more than an hour without a goal, Milan finally found the breakthrough in the 64th minute.

Alphadjo Cisse finished an attack after receiving a precise assist from Adrien Rabiot. The goal rewarded Milan’s persistence and gave the visitors a crucial advantage.

Cisse played an important role in the attacking structure throughout the match. His movement helped create space around Torino’s defensive line, while his finishing ability ultimately made the difference.

The goal also changed the momentum of the match.

Torino were forced to become more aggressive, while Milan suddenly had more space to exploit.

Rabiot Doubles Milan’s Advantage

Only three minutes after Cisse opened the scoring, Milan struck again.

This time, Rabiot became the finisher.

The French midfielder received a pass from Samuel Chukwueze before finding the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Rabiot’s contribution was particularly impressive because he was involved in both Milan goals. His assist for Cisse showed his creativity, while his own finish demonstrated his ability to arrive in dangerous areas.

The quick double appeared to put Milan in complete control.

However, Torino refused to give up.

Torino Fight Back in the Final Minutes

Ignazio Abate responded by making substitutions designed to increase Torino’s attacking intensity.

The changes helped the hosts apply greater pressure on Milan during the final stages. Torino began pushing more players forward and testing the Rossoneri’s defensive organisation.

Their persistence eventually paid off.

Che Adams reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 90+3rd minute after receiving an assist from Gvidas Gineitis.

Suddenly, Milan were under pressure again.

Torino attempted to find a second goal, but there was simply not enough time remaining. Milan managed to protect their advantage and secure all three points.

The late goal may concern Amorim from a defensive perspective, but the ability to hold on under pressure will also provide valuable confidence.

Chukwueze Named Player of the Match

Samuel Chukwueze was one of the biggest stars of Milan’s opening-day victory.

The winger constantly looked for space and provided a direct attacking threat from the right side. His ability to carry the ball and challenge Torino’s defensive line helped Milan maintain pressure.

His contribution became even more important when he assisted Rabiot for the second goal.

According to FotMob, Chukwueze received an impressive rating of 8.3 and was named Player of the Match.

That performance could be an encouraging sign for Amorim, particularly if Chukwueze can maintain the same level of energy and creativity throughout the season.

Amorim Gets the Start He Wanted

Winning the opening match of a new Serie A campaign is always important, especially for a coach trying to establish a new tactical identity.

Ruben Amorim can now look back on a performance that delivered the most important objective: three points.

There are still areas to improve. Milan allowed Torino to create pressure late in the match, and the defensive unit will need to remain more consistent when opponents increase their intensity.

Still, the positives are clear.

Rabiot delivered a goal and an assist, Chukwueze produced a Player of the Match performance, and Cisse showed composure in front of goal.

For Milan supporters, the 2-1 victory provides a strong foundation for the weeks ahead.

Milan Leave Turin With Three Valuable Points

Torino made Milan work for the victory, but the Rossoneri ultimately showed enough quality to secure a positive start to Serie A 2026/27.

The combination of possession, attacking pressure and individual quality gave Amorim’s side the edge.

Torino’s late response ensured there was some tension before the final whistle, but Milan held their nerve.

With three points already on the board, attention now turns to the next challenge. If Amorim can build on this performance while improving Milan’s defensive consistency, the Rossoneri could become an increasingly difficult opponent as the season progresses.

Starting Lineups

Torino (3-4-2-1): Diego Mascardi; Saul Coco, Ardian Ismajli, Pietro Comuzzo; Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Gvidas Gineitis, Kian Fitz-Jim, Alessio Cacciamani; Nikola Vlasic, Cesare Casadei; Giovanni Simeone.
Manager: Ignazio Abate

AC Milan (3-4-2-1): Mike Maignan; Mario Gila, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic; Samuel Chukwueze, Ardon Jashari, Yunus Musah, Pervis Estupinan; Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alphadjo Cisse; Goncalo Ramos.
Manager: Ruben Amorim