Zero First-Half Goals in Five Games as Conte Watches Milan Struggle
Free-agent manager Antonio Conte sat in the San Siro stands on September 16 as AC Milan trailed Benfica 1-0 at half-time in their UEFA Europa League opener, highlighting severe early-game offensive struggles under Ruben Amorim.
The Italian side went into the break behind to a goal from Benfica forward Dodi Lukebakio, extending an absolute failure to score during the opening 45 minutes across all five matches of Amorim’s tenure.
AC Milan
clubAntonio Conte Attendance Heightens Focus on AC Milan Selection
AC Milan have produced an entirely back-loaded scoring record under Amorim, failing to generate early match control across domestic and European action. Across their opening four Serie A fixtures, every goal scored by the team arrived past the 64th minute, raising questions regarding Amorim’s starting tactical setups.
Conte’s presence in Milan adds immediate context to the situation, with the tactician currently unattached following his departure from Napoli at the conclusion of the 2025, 26 season. Home supporters met the half-time whistle with loud jeers as Lukebakio’s strike left the club chasing yet another second-half recovery.
Ruben Amorim
coachThe result leaves AC Milan seeking immediate structural changes as they open their UEFA Europa League League Phase campaign. Amorim now faces a demanding schedule requiring quick solutions to rectify a sequence of five consecutive fixtures without a first-half goal.
Reported by Football Italia.