AC Milan are in a difficult moment, and the pressure on Ruben Amorim is growing fast. A 0-2 defeat to Benfica at San Siro on matchday one of the Europa League, as reported in the match report, was the club's first loss of the season and raised serious questions about the direction of Amorim's project. The Portuguese coach made sweeping changes for the game, handing starts to fringe players including Omari Hutchinson and Ardon Jashari, but neither convinced. Hutchinson lasted only until half-time, while Jashari struggled to fill the void left by Luka Modric. Gonçalo Ramos, meanwhile, remained goalless in his third appearance, adding to concerns about the striker's form.

The result came after two draws in Serie A against Juventus and Lazio, leaving Milan sixth in the table with eight points from four games, according to the latest standings data. The club sit two points behind fifth-placed Lazio, and the gap to the top could widen if results do not improve. Reports emerged that owner Gerry Cardinale is expected to hold talks with Amorim, while Antonio Conte was spotted watching the Benfica defeat from the stands, fuelling speculation about a potential managerial change.

Amorim has responded by recalling Christian Pulisic to the starting lineup for Sunday's home game against Lecce, with the American set to start for the first time this season. It is a telling move, suggesting the manager knows he needs his best players on the pitch immediately.