GdS: Allegri believes despite Juventus frustration – what Leao must do now

We are into the second day since AC Milan’s draw against Juventus. Yet, there is still a focus on a few moments from the game.

A game of that magnitude will always be watched a few times, but for Milan, there is a focus on three moments. Of course, Christian Pulisic’s chance from 12 yards is up there, yet Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) states that Rafael Leao’s chances have ‘all’ the eyes.

The question since Sunday has been, ‘Can Leao lead the Rossoneri as a striker?’. From that game, the answer would probably not be the one Massimiliano Allegri had hoped for. Of course, his movement was good, but strikers are remembered for the chances they have, whether they take them or not.

Leao failed to make a pass and only had seven touches in 29 minutes. However, he did manage three shots, two of which were from inside the area. Positives, even if the performance was largely not.

New role and injury

The move to a central role is not a test, but rather something that Allegri will continue to try until there is a definitive result. So far, a change to a 3-5-2 has provided balance, so a new role cannot really be created.

Though we also cannot be too harsh, Leao will not be at his best level instantly after being sidelined for a month. Ideally, it would be the case, but that is not really possible. So, these two performances do not really tell what he could do over 90 minutes.

Allegri told him before entering the field to ‘not make me angry’, and his frustrations were clear whilst he was on the pitch. It will surely be something that the coach works on over the international break, ready for a more match-sharp Leao to return.

What happens now?

The future is difficult to tell, but Leao must improve in certain areas, and this has already been said to him. He is not really new to the role, but of course, he needs to improve there, given that it is not his natural position.

Allegri believes, and the future depends on him in many ways, in finding the right balance for Leao and his team. The season is long, and Leao is only just getting back to normal. It is not make or break yet.