Torino vs AC Milan

"The opening weekend of the 2026/27 Serie A campaign serves up an absolute blockbuster at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino as AC Milan, embarking on a bold new era under manager Rúben Amorim, travel to face Ignazio Abate’s tactically resilient Torino. Milan have been the biggest talk of the Italian transfer market this summer, shelling out a massive €106 million to secure the signatures of lethal forward Gonçalo Ramos, center-back Mario Gila, and midfielder Sankhoun Diawara. Amorim, who arrived with plenty to prove after a mixed tenure at Manchester United, is expected to deploy his trademark high-intensity 3-4-2-1 system. This tactical shift is designed to unlock Milan's offensive potential while providing defensive solidity that was sorely lacking last season, when the Rossoneri slumped to a disappointing fifth-place finish. Torino, on the other hand, enter the campaign under the guidance of former Milan icon Ignazio Abate. The Granata finished 12th last season and are notorious for their stubborn, low-block defensive setups and physical pressing style. However, they face a severe early-season headache with star forward Duván Zapata ruled out due to injury, alongside Pietro Pellegri. This leaves Torino short on elite attacking depth, forcing Abate to rely heavily on structured transition play and set-pieces. Milan will also be missing Christian Pulisic and new signing Santiago Giménez, meaning Gonçalo Ramos will spearhead the attack, supported by Rafael Leão and Samuel Chukwueze. Historically, this fixture has produced fascinating battles. While Milan lead the overall head-to-head records with 18 wins to Torino's 6, the Granata have won three of their last four home Serie A meetings against the Rossoneri. However, with Amorim's tactical freshness, Milan's superior squad quality, and the defensive gaps created by Torino's key absences, the balance of power shifts toward the visitors. Expect Torino to sit deep and frustrate Milan in the first half, leading to a cagey opening. Ultimately, Amorim’s second-half tactical adjustments and the individual brilliance of Leão and Ramos should see the Rossoneri carve out a narrow but well-deserved 2-1 victory on the road."