Key Highlights
- Rafael Leao is showing improvement under Massimiliano Allegri’s coaching at AC Milan.
- The coach aims for Leao to reach the goal-scoring standards set by previous Juventus stars like Tevez, Dybala, Higuain, and Ronaldo.
- Leao’s best season in terms of goals was 2022-23 with 16 goals, including 15 in Serie A.
The Rise of Rafael Leao at AC Milan
Rafael Leao, the Portuguese winger signed by AC Milan from Lille, is beginning to find his footing under coach Massimiliano Allegri. As Tuttosport reports, Leao has already shown signs of improvement with two goals in recent matches against Fiorentina and Pisa. This progress comes as Allegri seeks to elevate Leao into a striker capable of contributing significantly to the team’s goal-scoring efforts.
Leao’s Journey So Far
The journey for Leao has not been without its challenges. An injury kept him out for over a month after scoring in the Coppa Italia match against Bari in mid-August. His return saw him playing as a striker during friendlies, with promising results.
Allegri’s Expectations
Allegri is setting high standards for Leao. He believes that the player can score between 15 to 20 goals in the league this season, emphasizing on improving his fitness and clinical finishing inside the box. The coach draws parallels with previous Juventus stars like Carlos Tevez (20 goals in 2014-15), Gonzalo Higuain (24 goals in 2016-17), Paulo Dybala (19 and 22 goals in 2015-16 and 2017-18, respectively), and Cristiano Ronaldo (21 goals in 2018-19).
Historical Context
The team that wins the Scudetto, for the past decade or so, has always had a striker who scores around 20 goals. Only two exceptions occurred: Stefano Pioli’s Milan in 2021-22 (Giroud with 11 goals) and Conte’s Napoli in 2024-25 (Lukaku with 14 goals, Retegui with 25). Allegri expects Leao to match or exceed these marks.
Leao’s ability to score from outside the box is noted but needs improvement inside. His fitness and confidence are also areas of focus for the coach as he aims to transform the player into a more reliable goal-scorer.
The Road Ahead
Atalanta will be the next test for Leao, with expectations that he scores in three consecutive league games for the first time since April 2024. The upcoming fixtures against Atalanta present both challenges and opportunities as Allegri continues to shape his squad.
As AC Milan prepares for their matches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Leao can meet Allegri’s expectations and potentially reach the heights set by his predecessors at Juventus.
