Debutant Cisse and Rabiot Secure AC Milan Win Over Torino in Amorim’s First Match

Key Takeaways:

• Alphadjo Cisse netted on his Serie A debut as AC Milan triumphed 2-1 at Torino in Ruben Amorim’s first competitive match as manager
• Torino endured their first home league defeat since February 15 despite Che Adams’ late goal in stoppage time
• Ruben Amorim became the first foreign AC Milan coach to win his debut league opener since 2009

Match Overview

AC Milan began the new Serie A campaign with a 2-1 victory away at Torino, ensuring a successful start for new manager Ruben Amorim in his inaugural competitive fixture at the helm. Alphadjo Cisse, making his league debut for Milan, scored the opening goal, while Adrien Rabiot quickly doubled the advantage, both strikes coming within three second-half minutes. Torino replied late through Che Adams, but the hosts could not avoid their first home league loss in over five months.

Victory on opening day? Secured. 🔐

Brought to you by @Bitpanda_global pic.twitter.com/DTZKIDv1Dz

— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 23, 2026

First-Half Analysis

Both clubs entered the contest with new managers overseeing their maiden fixtures in Serie A, as former Milan defender Ignazio Abate took charge for Torino. The visitors almost scored inside two minutes when Cisse, aged 19, sent Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s low cross into the side-netting from a tight angle. Milan dominated possession throughout the opening period, but were unable to test Torino’s 19-year-old goalkeeper, Diego Mascardi, also making his Serie A debut.

Mascardi was first called into action towards the half-hour mark, repelling Samuel Chukwueze’s effort following the wing-back’s penetrating run into the penalty area. The lone shot on target in a cagey first half, it highlighted the lack of clear chances. Milan’s €74 million record signing Goncalo Ramos struggled to impose himself during his debut for the club, with Torino managing to keep him subdued.

Second-Half Turning Points

Eleven minutes into the second half, Amorim made his move by introducing experienced midfielders Luka Modrić and Adrien Rabiot in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ardon Jashari. Although Torino offered little threat, Giovanni Simeone nearly matched his recent Coppa Italia exploits with a powerful shot blocked at close range.

The breakthrough arrived in the 64th minute, when Rabiot’s cross picked out Cisse. Showing composure, Cisse controlled before expertly steering his finish past Mascardi. Moments later, Rabiot completed an impressive three-minute turnaround, volleying in Samuel Chukwueze’s delivery to register his third consecutive Serie A goal against Torino.

Late Rally Not Enough for Torino

Seeking a response, Abate sent on three substitutes, with Alieu Njie rattling the post and Pietro Comuzzo missing an opportunity with a volley over the bar on debut. Torino eventually found a reply in stoppage time, as Che Adams brilliantly contorted to volley a free-kick into the top corner. Despite this spectacular goal, the hosts’ late efforts fell short.

This result marked Torino’s first home league defeat since 15 February, while Milan secured all three points and a promising start for Amorim, who made history as the first foreign manager since 2009 to win his opening Serie A game with the club.