Milan derby looms with Amorim already under pressure

Milan owner Cardinale backs Amorim ahead of Saturday's derby against Inter, citing a Top Gun quote; Milan lost 4-2 to Bologna midweek.

Milan owner Gerry Cardinale expressed his full confidence in manager Rúben Amorim on Friday, a day before the Rossoneri host Inter in the Milan derby. The backing came after Milan's disappointing 4-2 Serie A defeat to Bologna on Wednesday. Cardinale told Gazzetta dello Sport: "I have complete confidence in Amorim. At the end of Top Gun, there's a great line: 'I'm not going to abandon my wingman,' says Tom Cruise. And I'm not going to abandon Rúben. He is absolutely not in any danger."

Amorim thanked the Milan owner for his support and asked the fans to give him time to develop his project before the derby. Milan also announced the renewal of Christian Pulisic through 2031. Inter, who lead Serie A by seven points over fifth-placed Milan, will be without Lautaro Martínez. Inter manager Cristian Chivu dismissed suggestions his side are favourites despite their league position, saying: "In a derby, energy comes from motivation. Pride and the desire to give joy to the fans play a big role."