Rabiot Sparks Milan to Opening-Day Win at Torino

Alphadjo Cisse and Adrien Rabiot scored within two minutes of each other in the second half before Che Adams pulled one back for Torino deep into stoppage time.

Milan controlled much of the opening period but struggled to convert possession into clear chances.

Samuel Chukwueze and Cisse were lively in wide areas, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek came close after one flowing move but failed to make clean contact from close range.

The visitors went into the break with 75 percent possession and an expected-goals figure of 0.65, compared to Torino’s 0.04, but neither side had managed to find the net.

Amorim changed the game shortly before the hour mark by introducing Luka Modric and Rabiot.

The substitutions had an immediate impact.

Milan finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when Yunus Musah helped move the ball forward before Rabiot delivered across the penalty area for Cisse.

The youngster guided an excellent half-volley beyond Diego Mascardi to score on his Serie A debut and give Milan a deserved 1-0 advantage.

Just two minutes later, Rabiot went from provider to scorer.

Modric moved the ball across the edge of the penalty area before Chukwueze delivered towards the far post, where Rabiot arrived to finish from close range and double Milan’s lead.

The quickfire goals completely changed the complexion of the match after Torino had spent much of the opening hour defending deep and limiting Milan’s opportunities.

Torino responded by making attacking changes, with Che Adams, Alieu Njie and Zakaria Aboukhlal among those introduced.

The hosts improved considerably late in the contest.

Njie forced Mike Maignan into an important save in the 74th minute after using his pace to break into the penalty area.

Aboukhlal then missed a huge opportunity in the 84th minute when Njie’s cross found him free at the far post, only for the substitute to send his effort wide from close range.

Torino eventually found their goal in the 93rd minute.

Gvidas Gineitis delivered a free-kick from the left and Adams produced a spectacular over-the-shoulder volley that curled into the top corner beyond Maignan.

The late strike created a tense finish, but Milan survived the remaining moments to secure all three points.

Rabiot proved decisive after entering from the bench, providing the assist for Cisse’s opener before scoring himself two minutes later.

The result also saw Amorim become the first foreign coach since Leonardo in 2009 to win his opening Serie A match in charge of Milan.

Cisse also enjoyed a memorable evening by scoring on his Serie A debut, while Chukwueze marked his return from a loan spell at Fulham with an assist.

Milan will next host Venezia as they look to make it two wins from two, while Torino travel to Sassuolo.