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AC Milan got their preseason preparations underway on Monday at Milanello with the raduno, and some interesting signs emerged. As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) write this morning, it was a day that felt like a fresh start, a far cry from the final day of last season, when a melancholy San Siro jeered a Milan side unable to secure Champions League qualification against a Cagliari team that had already guaranteed its safety. Read SempreMilan ad-free and get access to exclusive news. Click here for a free trial! Less than two months have passed since May 24th, yet the Rossoneri have undergone a transformation. The entire management – along with Massimiliano Allegri and his staff – were sacked the day after that Cagliari game. Cardinale takes the field Gerry Cardinale is now at the helm with his own hand-picked executives and a hungry coach like Ruben Amorim. Amorim is a man eager to redeem his disappointing stint in Manchester who – while demanding and uncompromising – coaches with a smile. For the past few days, he has been staying at Milanello, in room number five, once occupied by the likes of Sacchi, Capello, and Ancelotti. He is dreaming of matching their trophy haul and Cardinale – who hand-picked him and was determined to hire him – shares that hope. He was by Amorim’s side a week ago during the Portuguese coach’s first visit to the training centre and at his official presentation at Casa Milan. He was present yesterday, too, for the players’ first training sessions. The owner had lunch with the squad (sitting next to Matteo Gabbia) and spoke to them individually and in small groups, asking the Italian players to instil the Milan identity in the new signings and younger squad members. The American had never attended the team’s first day back before, but this time he was there and he arrived by helicopter. It was reminiscent of how Silvio Berlusconi often used to arrive for his visits to the team. It wasn’t an attempt to emulate the most successful owner in the club’s history, but rather a logistical choice, as a way to reach Carnago faster and keep up with a packed schedule. He arrived at 10:45 CEST and left at 17:00, before the second training session. Amorim gets to work The coach from Lisbon addressed the squad, gathering everyone in the gym at 08:30 to outline the path ahead. He had already introduced himself to many players via messages in English, the same language he used for a speech. “I am truly happy and proud to be here. Whatever you need, I am here at your disposal. In any dispute with other players, I will defend you – provided you are in the right [smile],” he said. He also urged them to work hard and maintain maximum focus from the very start. He reiterated these points before the 18:00 training session on the outdoor pitch, where hundreds of fans watched from beyond the perimeter fence. The Curva Sud were notably absent, but the former United manager received warm applause and cheers. 😂 The coach getting stuck in with Gila. 📹 @antonello_gioia pic.twitter.com/KWBZwW61Mh — SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) July 13, 2026 For his part, he didn’t shy away from the action: aside from the warm-up led by his staff, he remained in the centre of the pitch throughout, offering advice and pointing out errors after halting play. He communicated constantly, aiming to speak Italian soon. During tactical drills using ‘his’ 3-4-2-1 formation, he demanded build-up play from the back, as well as speed and precision in both passing and finishing. Holding a ball, he moved in sync with his players, occasionally simulating a solo press to disrupt the build-up phase and offering a steady stream of instructions. He certainly demonstrated a strong desire to get to work, take an active role, and implement his specific brand of football at Milanello. He knows he will need time (and reinforcements) but remains confident. He received further assurances during a post-lunch discussion about the transfer market with Cardinale, Hendrik Almstadt, and Bobby Gardiner. Milan’s squad needs to be finalised only after evaluating the players returning from loans and the youngsters. From yesterday through Friday the 24th, the schedule consists of one high-intensity morning session per day, with no running without the ball. It is better to have a slightly shorter session, provided there are few distractions or breaks – only those needed for a drink. A united front Cardinale hopes the atmosphere at Milanello has shifted since the end of last season. Tension and the fear of missing out on the Champions League – an objective that ultimately slipped away – combined with friction between part of the management and Allegri to make the air stifling. This prompted the RedBird founder’s decision to overhaul both the management team and the coaching staff. He is convinced that Amorim will bring an attacking, dominant style of play and foster greater unity within the dressing room. While awaiting the return of captain Mike Maignan, Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic have stepped up to lead the squad. Furthermore, the American is confident that the Portuguese coach will succeed in getting the best out of the entire squad at his disposal. After two seasons outside the top four, Cardinale has decided to relaunch with a three-year project he hopes will be a winning one, meaning it must deliver silverware. Ideally, the second star Scudetto, a goal openly declared by both the owner and Amorim. This time, Milan are not holding back: they are aiming high, just like Gerry’s helicopter in the skies over Milanello yesterday.