MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: AC Milan’s Rafael Rio celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and SSC Bari at Stadio San Siro on August 17, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan drew 0-0 against Juventus on Sunday evening. Under normal circumstances, it would be a big result for the Rossoneri. However, a missed penalty by Christian Pulisic and several good chances begging for Rafael Leao meant that the Bianconeri were likely to leave as happy men of the two teams.
Leo came off the bench and replaced Santiago Gimenez in the minutes. The Portuguese winger came on after just 17 minutes in the Rossoneri’s 2-0 Coppa Italia win in August, but did not return to the field again for a cameo against Napoli last weekend.
Leao is still recovering, but the Portuguese star is Massimiliano Allegri’s missing piece at Milan and hopes the Rossoneri’s Scudetto will move closer to reality if the forward can rediscover his form and confidence.
Rafael Leao struggles to finish chances as Milan draw with Juventus
Just a few minutes after he came, Rafael Leao took a shot from the halfway line, which was a testament to his usual talent and confidence. The forward spotted Michele Di Gregorio from his line in the Juventus goal and attempted to take his first shot from the middle of the park. The shot looped well, but was a little too high and quickly went over the bar as the Bianconeri shot-stopper rushed back.
However, Leao’s next two major engagements did not reflect as well internationally for Portugal.
With 20 minutes remaining, Milan were working the ball well in Juventus’ penalty area. Christian Pupilisic boxed a deadly ball into the box which found Leao free at the back post. However, the forward scraped his shot and dragged it wide from close range.
Then, in the remaining minute, talismanic midfielder Luka Modric played an incredible leo through the ball, but the forward never fully controlled it and made a relatively tame effort for DiGregorio to leap and save. The match ended 0-0.
After years of hype, Leao must deliver again at Milan
Rafael Leao has been an integral part of Milan’s squad for six years, since arriving from Lille in 2019.
After some scintillating form in the 2021–22 season when the forward helped the Rossoneri lift the Scudetto, Rio scored a career-record 15 league goals in the 2022–23 campaign.
However, the two seasons since have been marred by inconsistency. Leao was the top assist provider in the 2023-24 season, but only scored 17 times for the Rossoneri in his last 70 league games.
For a player consistently linked with a move to Europe’s elite every summer, he expects more.
With Allegri now at the helm of Milan, a new era appears to be ushering in. The club got rid of Deadwood and unpleasant characters in the summer and signed talented players, including experienced midfielder Luka Modric, who has shone since arriving from Real Madrid.
With a talented midfield and resolute defense, Milan now miss out on more firepower in attack. Santiago Gimenez has failed to live up to expectations since his move from Feynold last season.
For friendlies in the summer, Allegri utilized Lío as center forward in place of Gimenez while the Mexican was away on vacation. This signaled the coach’s intention to use the former Lille man at the heart of his attack, a plan Allegri was unable to enforce.
Now the forward must regain his fitness and confidence. It’s time once again for Milan’s bright stars to dazzle Rossoneri hearts on the pitch.
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