The Milan derby against Inter, which before this week had represented a real test of credibility for the title race, has now become a crucial moment for the stability of RubenAmorim's bench. After the 4-2 defeat against Bologna, the Rossoneri team enters the match with 18 points, seven points less than the leaders Nerazzurri and Lazio, both leading on 25. Roma and Como, with 24 points, also occupy third and fourth place, leaving Milan well away from the top. In this context, Saturday's match is no longer a simple "scudetto derby", but an opportunity to prevent the gap with the leaders from becoming insurmountable.
Amorim, who was hired just a few months ago, finds himself having to demonstrate his ability to lead the club to consistent results. The victory against Udine had temporarily alleviated the concerns, but the subsequent collapse against Palladino reaffirmed the same difficulties that had emerged at the beginning of his management. In addition to the results, the team shows a marked difficulty in maintaining continuity during matches, with blackouts costing them four goals and their first defeat in the league. The numerous absences, aggravated by a new injury problem for Tomori, further complicated the situation. After nine matchdays, Milan find themselves in fifth position, below the expectations created in the summer.
Although there was no official ultimatum from the club, it is clear that the result against Inter will have a significant weight in the evaluations of the Portuguese coach. A victory could reduce the gap with the Nerazzurri and give substance to a project that has so far fluctuated between good performances and sudden setbacks. On the contrary, another defeat, especially if accompanied by a negative performance, would open up more serious questions about Amorim's permanence. Milan, who finished fifth last year, cannot afford a transition season.
For Amorim, Saturday's derby represents a crucial opportunity: not only to save a few points, but also to consolidate its position within the club. If he manages to lead the Rossoneri to a victory, he will be able to reduce the gap with the leaders and give a more solid basis to the long-term project. However, if the team continues to show uncertainty, the pressure on the coach will increase significantly. Milan, therefore, is preparing for a match that will not decide the scudetto, but which could decide the future of the bench.