MN: 42 days later – the situation Leao returns to and how Allegri plans to use him

The big news for AC Milan heading into the big game against Napoli is the return of Rafael Leao, even if he will start on the bench.

As MilanNews recall, Leao was sidelined for 42 days with a calf strain. Milan announced the injury was sustained during the Coppa Italia match against Bari at San Siro in mid-August, the game in which he opening his account for the season.

Massimiliano Allegri immediately placed him at the heart of his Milan side, entrusting him with the keys to the attack. This was a significant stepping stone for someone who many consider the team’s most talented and unpredictable attacking player, but also the most frustrating.

Picking up where he left off

Although Rafa has consistently topped the 10-goal and 10-assist season in recent years, the feeling has always been that his potential hasn’t been fully explored, and this is one of the main areas Allegri wants to work on this season.

He’s started by placing him in a more central role, less out wide, and closer to the opposition goal. A player with his physical qualities should and can achieve significantly higher goalscoring numbers.

Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

After more than a month – although Allegri preaches calm and serenity – Rafa will find a different Milan. The Rossoneri have won four consecutive convincing matches across all competitions, with unity being preached by all involved.

What has changed? First and foremost, the overall quality on the pitch: being able to field Pulisic, Modric and Rabiot from the start certainly helps. There’s the impression that the starting eleven is a team, and no longer a group of individuals.

Adding Leao to this positive situation makes everyone excited, but what would be best for Milan is if the attacking production were spread out rather than relying on any one man. Starting from tomorrow, Rafa will be able to show Milan what they were missing.