Rafael Leao’s return from injury was anything but convincing. The Milan forward, who already looked out of sorts playing as a central striker against Napoli last week, was also largely disappointing...
Rafael Leao’s return from injury was anything but convincing. The Milan forward, who already looked out of sorts playing as a central striker against Napoli last week, was also largely disappointing when coming off the bench against Juventus.
48 minutes filled with mistakes, not all of which can be attributed to his obviously precarious physical condition. The two missed goals in the late match of Serie A’s sixth round have sparked serious debates about the Portuguese player’s position and even his place in the starting lineup.
Massimiliano Allegri, analyzing the match on DAZN, used both stick and carrot with his striker. On one hand, phrases like “on Modric’s ball he made a wonderful move” or “we need him because he’s an important player, he can change the game”; on the other hand, also “someone like him has to score in those situations” and “it’s important he quickly regains his form.” Perhaps the biggest truth, however, came at the end when he confessed to regretting having substituted Gimenez (and thus bringing on Leao).
Massimiliano Allegri bacchetta Rafael Leão: un giocatore come lui deve imparare a essere più determinante e convinto quando ha certe occasioni 🇵🇹
— Cronache di spogliatoio (@CronacheTweet) October 5, 2025
1/3 pic.twitter.com/KKNxIS4X6C
No one doubts the Portuguese player’s qualities, but in the tactical system that has brought so much satisfaction and solidity to the Rossoneri, it’s hard to fit him in. The second striker in the 3-5-2 will continue to be Pulisic: right now, it’s hard to imagine a change in formation or moving the American further back. The balance has been found, and Max has no intention of giving it up.
The starting spot left for Leao is therefore as the central striker and focal point of the team. He has the physique, the movement, and the qualities to do it, but his attitude isn’t fully convincing. Santi Gimenez is improving game by game and only lacks a league goal for his definitive breakthrough, and behind him there’s also Christopher Nkunku, who is much more accustomed and suited to the position and is eager for a chance.
Rafael Leao vs Juventus:
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) October 5, 2025
0 Goals/Assists
0 Completed Passes
0 Dribbles
2 Shots off Target
ISHOWTEETH 😁😁😁 pic.twitter.com/PxqwHl5I8u
To be fair, Allegri did not rule out a change in formation during his post-match interviews. “We want talented players on the pitch” is a mantra, reminiscent of the glory days of Juventus’s hyper-offensive 4-2-3-1 that reached the Champions League final. However, there’s another phrase he said that should make it clear how much Leao’s starting spot is at risk: “Substitutes are important too.” So, a scenario with the Portuguese as a super sub cannot be ruled out at the moment. It will be up to Rafa to change Max’s mind, perhaps by starting to score goals that are absolutely within his reach.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
📸 Valerio Pennicino - 2025 Getty Images
Category: General Sports
