Amorim Alters Lineup: Loftus-Cheek Takes Central Role at Lazio

Rúben Amorim has changed course late. According to Sky Sport Italia, the Milan coach has dropped Yunus Musah to the bench for today’s trip to Lazio, handing the keys to the midfield to Adrien Rabiot and pushing Ruben Loftus-Cheek into a more advanced role.

Musah had been widely tipped to line up alongside Luka Modric in a two-man engine room. That was the blueprint. Then came the twist. Sky now reports that Rabiot will anchor the centre instead, with Loftus-Cheek operating as the attacking midfielder behind the striker.

The rest of the XI holds steady. Pervis Estupiñan keeps his place at left wing-back, while Samuel Chukwueze returns on the opposite flank to offer width and direct running. Italy starlet Alphadjo Cissé will join Loftus-Cheek as the other attacking midfielder, tasked with linking play and breaking Lazio’s lines.

Up front, Gonçalo Ramos leads the line alone as the Rossoneri’s reference point in attack.

On the bench, another subplot brews. Christian Pulisic starts among the substitutes again, but Amorim has already promised the American will see his first minutes of the season today. How long he has to wait may depend on how quickly this reshaped midfield finds its rhythm in Rome.