Rafael Leao retains starting spot as Allegri considers tactical shift
Rafael Leao is in contention to start for AC Milan in their Serie A fixture against Hellas Verona this weekend, despite recent criticism of his performances. According to reports from Italy, manager Massimiliano Allegri is considering fielding the Portuguese forward from the outset, potentially alongside Christian Pulisic or Christopher Nkunku in a forward line. This comes after a difficult outing for Leao, who was deployed as a central striker in Milan's recent match against Udinese and faced whistles from some sections of the San Siro support.
Allegri's decision to use Leao as a number nine against Udinese was reportedly driven by several factors. The manager has viewed the 24-year-old as a central attacker since the start of the year, a role that demands less defensive work than the winger position he traditionally occupies. Furthermore, Allegri is said to believe Leao performs best when given consistent trust and a run of games, prompting a show of faith. The choice was also influenced by the physical condition of striker Santiago Gimenez, who is still regaining full fitness following a long-term ankle injury.
The tactical experiment yielded mixed results. Leao struggled to impact the game centrally, and Allegri substituted him at halftime, bringing on Niclas Fullkrug. Upon his introduction, Leao was shifted to his familiar left-wing role and subsequently delivered one of Milan's more promising crosses of the afternoon. This sequence has fueled the belief that his best contributions still come from wide areas, even as the club seeks solutions in the final third.
For the upcoming match in Verona, Allegri is expected to revert to a 3-5-2 formation, a system he has favoured for much of the season. However, the possibility of Leao starting remains strong, reflecting both the player's inherent quality and the team's ongoing search for a consistent attacking formula. Leao, who joined Milan from Lille in 2019 for a reported fee of around €35 million, has been a key yet occasionally inconsistent figure, contributing 48 goals and 40 assists in over 180 appearances for the club.
The broader context sees Milan in a tight battle for a top-four finish, making every point crucial. The team's attack has fluctuated this season, with no single player establishing themselves as an undisputed focal point. Allegri's continued deliberation over Leao's role underscores this ongoing challenge. A positive performance from the forward in Verona could solidify his place, while another subdued display may intensify speculation about his long-term future at the club as the summer transfer window approaches.
