Amorim: Milan "the best team in the world" ahead of Juventus derby
Amorim praised the club's summer transfers — including Gonçalo Ramos — and said his side are mentally prepared for the Turin test.
AC Milan coach Rúben Amorim declared his squad "the best team in the world" ahead of Saturday's Serie A derby at Juventus, insisting his side can extend an unbeaten start to the season in Turin.
Optimism despite summer turnover
Milan arrive in Turin on the back of wins over Torino and Venezia and a perfect start in Serie A. The visit to Juventus is the club's first competitive match since the close of the transfer window and follows the departure of Rafael Leão from the squad.
Amorim singled out the club's summer signings and the way new players have fitted into the group. He repeated a strong endorsement of his staff and roster during his pre-match media session: "My players are among the best in the world, so I won't say they are eight or nine. Every player we brought fits perfectly into our team, so I give them a perfect ten! I have the best team in the world."
The Rossoneri spent heavily this summer. The headline signing was Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for €65 million plus €5 million in add-ons. Diego Moreira cost €45 million from Strasbourg, with potential €20 million in clauses, and Mario Gila arrived from Lazio for around €30 million. Sancun Diavara was signed from Troyes for €2 million, while Omari Hutchinson joined on loan from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth €4 million with an option to buy.
Amorim acknowledged questions about attacking depth after the exits of Álvaro Morata and Christopher Nkunku but suggested his players offer tactical flexibility. He noted Ramos has already opened his Serie A account with a goal against Venezia and outlined how Milan might rotate across the frontline, including using a player like Christian Pulisic in certain matches.
On the mental side, Amorim said Milan have worked through pressure in preparation and see the Juventus fixture as a test of recent progress. "If we remember the preparations, we weren't winning and the pressure was already there. We rotated players, travelled a lot, but there were no wins and the pressure was felt. For big clubs, every match is important. Still, I understand the interest that comes with facing a team like Juventus. It's a good test to see if we've improved compared to last week. It's important to play well away against a strong team and an excellent coach. I'm excited, I'm not worried. I think my team is ready," the Portuguese coach added.
Photo: press material from the event
