AC Milan are building genuine momentum. Back-to-back wins, a 4-0 demolition of Salzburg in Europa League followed by a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Atalanta at San Siro, have lifted Ruben Amorim's side to fourth in Serie A with 15 points from seven games. The Atalanta result was not without nerves: Milan led 3-0 before conceding twice late on, and Adrien Rabiot admitted afterwards he was not sure the team deserved to win. But they did, and that resilience matters.

Rabiot is central to everything Milan are doing well right now. Four league goals this season, a commanding performance against Atalanta, and a growing sense that he is the most important player at the club. Amorim's staff are now pushing to extend his contract, recognising that losing him would be a serious blow to what they are building.

Off the pitch, Milan are close to resolving a long-standing gap in their structure. Markus Krosche, who left Eintracht Frankfurt by mutual consent, is on the verge of becoming the club's Head of Football. He wants to bring his trusted colleague Timmo Hardung with him, a condition Milan appear willing to consider.

The squad itself is showing depth. Yunus Musah has become the most-used midfielder under Amorim, while players like Hutchinson, Jashari and Bartesaghi impressed in Austria. Milan travel to Bournemouth on 22 October for their next Europa League fixture, a test of whether this momentum can hold on the road.