Rafael Leao stands up for new Milan coach Allegri after Cassano insult | OneFootball

Max Allegri will reportedly put Rafael Leao at the centre of his Milan project and the positive feeling is mutual, as the forward defended his new coach against Antonio Cassano insults.

It was made official this morning that Allegri has replaced Sergio Conceicao on the San Siro bench, signing a two-year contract with option for a third.

According to initial reports, the new boss is a big fan of Leao, having praised the Portuguese striker in the past, so will build the team around the mercurial talent.

Leao eager to work with Allegri at Milan

Massimiliano Allegri Juventus (Photo by ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images)

Having clashed with both Paulo Fonseca and Conceicao in recent months, Leao would seem to be looking forward to working with the Italian.

He is certainly rushing to his defence, because there was a pointed reaction when former Milan player Cassano mocked Allegri on a video published on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Allegri won because he had me,” Cassano told IFTV.

Rafael Leao replied to the clip with four laughing emojis, suggesting he was unimpressed with that view.

epa12100655 Rafael Leao of Milan during the Italian Cup final soccer match between AC Milan and Bologna FC in Rome, Italy, 14 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FEDERICO PROIETTI

Allegri won the Scudetto at Milan in 2010-11, going on to secure another five at Juventus in a row.

During that season, Cassano contributed four goals and eight assists in 17 Serie A appearances under Allegri.