Pulisic and Modric Start on Bench for AC Milan's Serie A Opener Against Torino

AC Milan is set to begin its 2026-27 Serie A season with a match against Torino at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on August 23. Notably, Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric will start the game on the substitute bench.

Pulisic's absence from the starting lineup is attributed to a fitness-management decision by head coach Ruben Amorim, as he is recovering from a severe injury sustained during the World Cup. He returned to full training just two days before the match. In his place, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Alphadjo Cisse will occupy the dual No. 10 roles, although Pulisic is available to play as a substitute in the second half.

Modric's position on the bench is a tactical choice, with Amorim opting for Ardon Jashari and Yunus Musah in the midfield. Both players have been favored during preseason matches. Additionally, several key players, including Fikayo Tomori and Rafael Leao, were omitted from the squad entirely as they are currently on the transfer block.