Image Source: Football Italia
Torino vs Milan brings an intriguing start to the new Serie A season, with Ruben Amorim preparing for his first competitive match as Rossoneri head coach. Milan travel to Turin on Sunday evening looking to make a powerful statement after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
The match is scheduled to begin at 19:45 BST. Milan finished outside the Serie A top four last season despite spending much of the campaign in second place, and the club has responded with sweeping changes both on and off the pitch.
Torino vs Milan: Explosive Probable Lineups
Amorim has introduced a new tactical approach and is expected to use a 3-4-2-1 formation against Torino. Club-record signing Goncalo Ramos is tipped to spearhead the attack, while Mario Gila could make his competitive debut at centre-back.
Mike Maignan is expected to start in goal behind a back three of Gila, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic. The wide areas should be covered by Samuel Chukwueze and new arrival Pervis Estupinan.
In midfield, veteran Luka Modric is likely to feature alongside Yunus Musah. The American midfielder has been brought back into the first-team picture after spending last season on loan at Atalanta, giving Amorim another energetic option in the centre of the pitch.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and 19-year-old Alphadjo Cisse are projected to operate behind Ramos. Cisse could be handed a surprise starting role because Christian Pulisic has not yet returned to full match fitness.
Rafael Leao Misses Milan’s Season Opener
One of the biggest talking points before Torino vs Milan is the absence of Rafael Leao. Amorim confirmed that the Portugal international will not travel with the squad, stressing that the decision is linked to injury rather than transfer speculation.
Leao’s absence removes one of Milan’s most dangerous attacking outlets and places additional responsibility on Ramos, Cisse and the supporting forwards. Pulisic’s limited availability further reduces Amorim’s attacking options for a challenging opening fixture.
Several other senior players have also been left out. Fikayo Tomori, Youssouf Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Gimenez have not been assigned squad numbers for the 2026-27 season. Amorim has made clear that the quartet is not part of his plans, meaning none are expected to feature in Turin.
Torino Look to Spoil Amorim’s Milan Debut
Torino are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 system of their own. Franco Israel—or Mascardi according to the reported lineup—is set to start behind a defensive trio of Saul Coco, Ardian Ismajli and Pietro Comuzzo.
Marcus Pedersen and Alieu Njie are expected to provide width, with Gvidas Gineitis and Chrisantus Ugwu operating in central midfield. Nikola Vlasic and Cesare Casadei should play behind experienced striker Giovanni Simeone.
Simeone’s movement and physical presence could test Milan’s reorganised defence, particularly during transitions. Torino will hope their home advantage can unsettle a Milan side still adapting to a new coach, new management structure and several squad changes.
Major Changes Behind the Scenes at Milan
The pressure on Amorim is significant from the opening whistle. Milan parted company with Massimiliano Allegri, Igli Tare, Geoffrey Moncada and Giorgio Furlani immediately after last season ended, creating a major reset across the sporting department.
The club’s supporters will expect the new leadership team to deliver a fast improvement. A positive result against Torino would offer early encouragement, while a poor performance could intensify scrutiny around the new project.
For Torino, the opportunity is equally important. A strong home result against one of Italy’s most prominent clubs would provide momentum at the beginning of the campaign. The hosts will aim to exploit Milan’s absences and disrupt Ramos’ debut in Italian football.
Where to Watch Torino vs Milan
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, HBO Max and DAZN
- United States: Paramount+
- Kick-off: 19:45 BST on Sunday evening
Football Italia will provide pre-match build-up, live coverage and post-match reaction. The fixture offers the first meaningful look at Amorim’s Milan and could quickly reveal whether the Rossoneri are ready to challenge for a return to the European places.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Torino vs Milan?
Torino vs Milan is scheduled for Sunday evening, August 23, 2026, with kick-off at 19:45 BST.
Who is expected to start for Milan?
Mike Maignan, Mario Gila, Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic, Luka Modric, Yunus Musah and Goncalo Ramos are among the expected Milan starters.
Why is Rafael Leao missing?
Ruben Amorim confirmed that Leao will miss the match because of an injury. He is not included in the travelling squad.
Where can fans watch the match?
Viewers in the UK can watch on TNT Sports 1, HBO Max or DAZN, while fans in the USA can use Paramount+.
