GdS: Milan search for ‘spark’ in Europe – how Amorim plans to harness post-derby ‘fuel’

After beating Inter in the derby on Saturday night, AC Milan are hoping that they can ride the wave and get back on track in Europe.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write that Milan want to rediscover their ‘international DNA’ and put behind them a start to the Europa League campaign that has seen one win and two defeats in the first three games.

While it is not yet a do-or-die situation for Ruben Amorim and his squad, failing to secure a win against the Hungarian side – who have a perfect record so far – would make reaching the top 24 significantly more difficult, and a top-eight finish nearly impossible.

Given that the Rossoneri have won seven Champions League titles, no other team in this European competition can boast such a trophy cabinet. Furthermore, the Portuguese manager reached the final with Manchester United two editions ago, ultimately losing to Tottenham.

Consequently, Milan and Amorim must ‘honour’ the Europa League in a manner far removed from their last away outing, which was a heavy defeat against European debutants Bournemouth, with Mike Maignan getting sent off.

This evening over 50,000 fans are expected at San Siro, including a sold-out away sector of 4,200, with over 5,000 Hungarian fans in total throughout the stadium. Milan must secure a victory, channelling the enthusiasm currently felt at Milanello following Saturday’s derby win.

The former United manager tried to brush it aside so his squad could focus solely on the Europa League, but the atmosphere during the final training session was as upbeat as it gets, with lots of ‘slaps’ of congratulations dished out.

Koni De Winter was patted on the back in celebration of his daughter’s birth, Diego Moreira was praised for his goal in the derby, Sankhoun Diawara was acknowledged for his debut(s), and even coach Carlos Fernandes got some love for the corner routine leading to Adrien Rabiot’s goal.

The enthusiasm following the derby must now be channelled into focus and determination ahead of the Europa League return. Milan cannot afford another embarrassing performance in European competition, like those seen against Benfica and Bournemouth.

The club’s storied history forbids it, and Gerry Cardinale certainly wouldn’t welcome a repeat of those displays against the Portuguese or English sides. For this reason, while rotating the squad with an eye on Sunday’s match in Genoa, Amorim will ensure the team retains some key pillars.

De Winter will remain in defence, Yunus Musah and Rabiot in midfield, and Goncalo Ramos in attack. Compared to Saturday’s lineup, there will be seven changes including a forced one in goal, with Lorenzo Torriani replacing the suspended Maignan. Ardon Jashari steps in for Luka Modrić, who will be rested.

With six players sidelined due to injury, the scope for rotation is limited. Yet, even while fielding a side with a significantly lower average age than the one that played in the derby (23.6 years versus 28.1), Amorim has opted not to throw 18-year-olds Francesco Camarda and Christian Comotto into the XI.

His goal is to help Gonçalo Ramos – who hasn’t managed a single shot on target in his last two appearances – regain his scoring touch. Consequently, Camarda will have to wait a little longer. As for Comotto, the midfield requires experience, and both Rabiot and Musah are too vital to be left out.

Across the 2024-25 Champions League and the current Europa League campaign, the Rossoneri have won only one of their last six matches, hardly the kind of record expected from a club with such a storied continental past.

According to UEFA, a win in the Europa League is worth €450,000 (with €150,000 for a draw), figures that pale in comparison to the rewards for similar results in the Champions League (€2.1m and €700k, respectively).

The total earnings at the end of each competition are also incomparable: Champions League finalists can rake in between €120m and €125m, whereas the winner of the Europa League can earn, at most, just over €40m.

However, securing the second-tier European trophy guarantees direct qualification for the 2027-28 Champions League, bypassing the need to finish in the top four of Serie A. It also grants a spot in the UEFA Super Cup, which awards €4m to each of the two participating clubs.

Returning to the Champions League – a major objective that was not achieved last season – must be achieved this year, not least for the sake of sponsorships and brand value, two areas of great importance to Cardinale.

Ultimately, the goal is to win a trophy, ideally the Scudetto. However, adding the Europa League title to the trophy cabinet would certainly be a welcome achievement, especially given Milan didn’t win it when it was the UEFA Cup either.