MXP departure timing

Well...the usual advice to allow 2-3 hours applies at MXP just as much as it does elsewhere. 2 hours is probably enough if you are indeed eligible for fast track access (high-tier frequent flier or business class ticket), otherwise I would aim for 3.

Be there at 8.
Usually that is more than sufficiently adequate at MXP.
There is great shopping and eating at MXP, so you might have time for that before boarding.

"the usual advice to allow 2-3 hours applies at MXP just as much as it does elsewhere". Elsewhere we'd aim for about 90 minutes.

I suppose we'll go for the MXP express scheduled to arrive 8:34. That give us about two hours.

We get fast-track security from UA (although it's not clear how much faster it is than regular security). Exit passport control is a worry given some horror stories.

We get lounge access from UA, with luck it won't be far from our gate - B51 the last two days - so somewhere to sit if we happen to get through early.

We flew into FCO, which was very easy - from gate to curb in about 10-15 minutes, with almost no one ahead of us at the passport egates. Exit egates would be nice :-)

Malpensa passport control and also security is fast, especially now that they implemented the CT scans (so no need to remove anything from the bags, including all the liquids you want or the PC), so two hours should be sufficient. Sometimes I found snarls at the baggage check in, which in Italy is performed by the Airport Company employees, unlike in the US where it is performed by the airlines employees. But maybe if you have done check in online or traveling on priority business or first class it will be fast.
You need about 10 minutes to walk from the Malpensa train station (under the Sheraton) to the terminal.

Be aware that security has been tightened up these days with the Israeli war, so if you travel now I don't know if that will impact the time at security.

We'd take the MXP express from Cadorna, which is faster than from Centrale. Schedule is 7:57 to 8:34.

"Malpensa passport control and also security is fast"

That's encouraging! Sounds much better than before.

The goal is OLCI and no checked baggage. We're traveling in business.

Malpensa passport control and also security is fast, especially now that they implemented the CT scans

What are CT scans in this context? The only CT scans I know of are medical and involve the use of 3D x-rays.

What are CT scans in this context? The only CT scans I know of are
medical and involve the use of 3D x-rays.

That is correct. The same technology used in the medical field is now used to scan baggage and both Milan's airports have implemented it a few months ago.

Very quick and easy process. Less than 30 minutes from train arrival to lounge near our gate. Fast track security had a much shorter line than regular security and egates worked nicely.