GdS: Missed chances and ‘bad attitude’ – Leao risks not getting starting spot back

Rafael Leao missed two big chances to give AC Milan a precious win away against Juventus, and Massimiliano Allegri’s frustration was obvious.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport recall, Allegri looked like he was going to tear his jacket and his shirt off after the second opportunity that Leao missed, the one where he was put in behind the defence by Luka Modric but shot weakly.

Rafa’s two errors in front of goal – along with Christian Pulisic’s missed penalty – are the reason why Milan won’t be top of the table over the break, but there’s a difference between the two situations.

Pulisic is instantly forgiven for everything he’s done in this month and a half of the season and in his life with Milan. For Leao, however, there’s clearly a bigger question mark hanging in the air.

Not at his best

Leao returned last week and is still not 100%, that much needs to be said right away. He has ample mitigating circumstances. However, his football has historically had great strengths – and these are well known – and obvious flaws.

Among the flaws, two were very visible, highlighted in bold last night in Turin. The first is his shooting technique, which hasn’t improved over the years. Rafa is a phenomenon in one-on-one situations with space, but when it comes to finding the net, he struggles. As a striker, his new role, the flaw is even more noticeable.

The second is his attitude, because his manner on the pitch draws criticism. Allegri sent him a clear message on the eve of the match: “Leao still has the season to start, he’s eager to do well, but it’s not in my hands, it’s in his. As they say, help yourself and God will help you.”

Leao didn’t help himself, and in fact, Max commented at the end of the match: “The movement he made on Modric’s ball was that of a centre-forward, but when someone like him gets there, he has to score. He needs to make the difference there.”

Could he face a battle for a starting spot? Santiago Gimenez isn’t finding the net either, but he’s focused, giving it his all. He shields the ball when needed and makes moves like a No,9, which annoys defences.

He seems to be in the classic calm before the storm, which strikers sometimes experience: all he needs is a goal, but if two come in a row, it could turn things around. Then there is Christopher Nkunku, who scored in his first start and is getting close to top condition too.

So, Leao could have a fight on just to start games. His career stats say he’s never scored or even provided an assist at the Allianz Stadium. For Milan’s star player, in his seventh season, that’s not good enough.

Rafa will return to Lisbon during the international break because he’s been called up to the Portugal squad, which will play against Ireland and Hungary at the Alvalade, his home stadium, hoping for some home comforts and some confidence.