Ruben Amorim reshuffles attack, leaves Pulisic on bench for Bournemouth

American forward Christian Pulisic will not start for AC Milan against Bournemouth in the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League, head coach Ruben Amorim announced. The decision arrives at a crucial stage of Milan’s Italian campaign, as the club seeks to extend consecutive victories and improve its standing in Europe.

Amorim reshapes attack

Ruben Amorim has overhauled his starting eleven, opting for a 4‑2‑3‑1 system that places Alphadjo Cisse at the tip of the spear. Omari Hutchinson, Diego Moreira and Ruben Loftus‑Cheek flank the striker, while the midfield retains a double pivot. The changes reflect Amorim’s intent to rotate his squad and keep key players fresh.

Milan arrived in England after a convincing 4‑0 demolition of Red Bull Salzburg and a hard‑fought 3‑2 Serie A win over Atalanta. Several players remain unavailable and October brings a demanding run of fixtures, including the Derby della Madonnina against Inter. Amorim’s rotation policy saw seven changes before Salzburg and another seven for the Atalanta clash.

Bournemouth enter the tie on six points after beating Real Sociedad 2‑1 away and dispatching Sturm Graz 3‑0 at home. The English side’s impressive start to its maiden European campaign gives them confidence to challenge Milan’s progress. Their two victories underline an attacking confidence that could test the Rossoneri.

Milan arrives at Udinese with injury list that limits Amorim

The line‑up also leaves Francesco Camarda on the bench, despite his recent hat‑trick against Salzburg, while Gonçalo Ramos remains sidelined through injury. Camarda’s performance had put him in contention, yet Amorim chose Cisse to lead the line, valuing his movement inside the penalty area.

Alphadjo Cisse will spear the attack, offering a different dimension with his finishing ability. Amorim’s decision follows the coach trusted Cisse after his display against Salzburg, believing the striker can add variety without disrupting the team’s rhythm.

Christian Pulisic is expected to begin on the bench, a selection choice rather than an injury concern. Amorim’s broader rotation aims to preserve freshness across a congested October calendar, having already altered seven players for each of the previous two matches.

The next challenge for Milan will be the derby against Inter, where Amorim will again need to balance rotation with ambition. Maintaining momentum from the recent victories could see the Rossoneri solidify their European position as the season progresses.