Ruben Amorim's AC Milan Debut Without Rafael Leao

Ruben Amorim walks into San Siro for the first time as AC Milan coach on Friday night, and he does so without the club’s most explosive forward.

Rafael Leao, still at the centre of late-window transfer noise, will not be available when Milan host newly-promoted Venezia in Serie A. The Portugal international continues to be linked with Aston Villa and Galatasaray as the clock ticks down on the summer market, leaving Amorim to build early momentum without his former MVP.

Amorin’s Milan look to build on Torino statement

The Portuguese coach could hardly have scripted a better Serie A debut. Milan went to Torino and came back with a 2-1 win, powered by teenager Alphadjo Cisse and the ever-dependable Adrien Rabiot. It was a performance that hinted at structure and edge, even this early in Amorim’s reign.

That showing looks to have convinced him to keep his hand steady.

Reports from Sky Sport Italia indicate Milan will stick with the same XI that started in Turin. Cisse, Goncalo Ramos and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are again expected to spearhead the attack, giving the Rossoneri a blend of youthful fearlessness and Premier League-hardened power behind the main striker.

Christian Pulisic is not expected to start but should finally step onto the pitch this season. Amorim suggested in his pre-match press conference that the American is in line for minutes off the bench, a potentially important weapon if Venezia tire under the San Siro lights.

Behind them, the core remains unchanged. Luka Modric, Rabiot and Alexis Saelemaekers are all pushing for starting roles, but the message from Milan is clear: you don’t dismantle a winning side after one game.

Leao absent, rumours loud

Leao’s absence is the one unavoidable shadow.

Milan must navigate their home opener without the player who has so often dragged them up the pitch and lit up this stadium. With Aston Villa and Galatasaray circling and only days left in the window, the situation hangs over the club, even as Amorim tries to keep the focus on the pitch.

For now, the responsibility falls on Cisse and Ramos to carry the goal threat, with Loftus-Cheek and the wing-backs asked to supply the runs and service that usually orbit around Leao.

Venezia arrive wounded, but unchanged

Venezia step into this occasion still licking their wounds from a 2-0 home defeat to Lecce. It was a sobering return to the top flight, and yet, according to reports in Italy, there is unlikely to be a major shake-up in their starting XI.

The visitors are expected to stick with their 3-5-2, trusting continuity rather than panic after one bad afternoon. One name will stand out immediately to the San Siro crowd: Filip Stankovic. The Venezia goalkeeper, son of former Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic, returns to the city where his father made his name, now tasked with shutting out Milan in their own arena.

Probable line-ups

Milan (3-4-2-1):

• Maignan; De Winter, Gila, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Jashari, Musah, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek, Cisse; Ramos.

Venezia (3-5-2):

• Stankovic; Schingtienne, Bella-Kotchap, Franjic; Hainaut, Perez, Busio, Basi, Correia; Yeboah, Adams.

Kick-off at San Siro is scheduled for 19.45 BST.

Where to watch

Supporters in the UK can watch the game exclusively on DAZN, while viewers in the USA can follow the action on Paramount+.

Amorim’s first steps on the San Siro touchline come with noise in the background and expectation in the stands. How long can Milan keep winning while their biggest star’s future hangs in the balance?