Gerry Cardinale will be in Italy in the coming hours and plans to attend Sunday night's match against Lecce at San Siro, with a sit-down with Ruben Amorim on the agenda before kick-off, according to Calciomercato.com.
The RedBird Capital chief was absent for the midweek defeat to Benfica, a game that ended with jeers from the San Siro crowd at both half-time and full-time. His arrival now, with one fixture left before a three-week international break, gives the meeting a natural deadline feel.
According to the report, the relationship between Cardinale and Amorim is direct and frank, with coaching staff and management described as being in complete harmony. That does not mean the owner is satisfied with what he has watched recently. Cardinale wants to see attacking, front-foot football and a side that looks to dominate opponents. Recent performances have not delivered that, and the lack of a clear identity from the team is something he intends to discuss with Amorim in person.
The development of the summer signings is another talking point. Milan invested a total of around €150m on new arrivals, and Cardinale wants to see a return on that outlay. Specifically, according to the report, he wants goals from Goncalo Ramos, more starts for Diego Moreira, and regular involvement for Mario Gila.
The Lecce game now carries weight beyond the three points, with Amorim effectively auditioning a response before the break gives everyone time to reset.