AC Milan steadied themselves with a convincing 2-0 victory at Udinese on Sunday, a result that matters well beyond the three points. Coming three days after a damaging 3-0 collapse at Bournemouth in the Europa League, a defeat that brought real scrutiny on Ruben Amorim and drew owner Gerry Cardinale to Udine in person, the win offered a timely reminder of what this squad is capable of when it functions. Goals from Christian Pulisic and Toma Basic Hutchinson secured the result, lifting Milan to fourth in Serie A with 18 points from eight games.

The circumstances made the performance more impressive. Amorim was without Adrien Rabiot, Diego Moreira and Mario Gila, all ruled out in the 24 hours before kick-off, joining the already absent Samuel Chukwueze and Alexis Saelemaekers. The manager responded by handing Serie A debuts to young defender Sankhoun Diawara at left back and fielding Davide Bartesaghi higher up the pitch. Gonçalo Ramos, who had missed the Bournemouth trip through injury, returned to lead the attack. The adaptations worked.

The Bournemouth result had exposed fault lines, with Maignan's red card drawing heavy criticism and Amorim's team selection questioned. The goalkeeper subsequently apologised publicly, and the club backed him after he received racist abuse on social media. That turbulence has not fully passed, but the Udinese win provides breathing room. Milan host Bologna on Wednesday before the derby against Inter on October 31, two fixtures that will define the mood around the club considerably.