Milan's troubled start to the season deepened on Wednesday when they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Benfica at San Siro, their first loss under Ruben Amorim and a result that has intensified scrutiny on the Portuguese manager. Goals from Lukebakio and Kaminski gave the visitors a comfortable win, with Milan unable to test Benfica goalkeeper Trubin across the entire match. The performance drew loud whistles from the home support at both half-time and full-time.

Amorim's decision to rotate heavily raised immediate questions. He handed first starts to Omari Hutchinson and Terracciano, recalled Bartesaghi and Jashari, and left Modric and Pulisic on the bench. Neither Hutchinson nor Jashari delivered, and both were withdrawn at half-time. Striker Gonçalo Ramos, who has not scored since August 28, again failed to make an impact, extending a run of four blank appearances in rossonero colours. His future involvement is now uncertain, with reports suggesting Amorim may rest him for the next fixture.

The defeat follows back-to-back Serie A draws against Juventus and Lazio, leaving Milan sixth in the table with eight points from four games. Antonio Conte's presence in the stands at San Siro during the Benfica match was not lost on observers, and reports indicate that club owner Gerry Cardinale is expected to hold talks with Amorim. Milan host Lecce in Serie A on Sunday, a match that now carries considerably more weight than it might have done a week ago.