Allegri set to gamble on Leao as centre-forward for Milan | OneFootball

Rafael Leao is due to return to availability for Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri after the international break, after the forward’s bright pre-season was hindered after the Portuguese forward suffered an injury in the Rossoneri’s Coppa Italia clash with Bari.

According to what has been reported by the Gazzetta dello Sport, via MilanNews24, Allegri will continue to utilise Leao as a centre-forward, where the 26-year-old looked promising during the club’s pre-season matches.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Rafael Leao of AC Milan 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 by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The reports claim that this will be the case despite formation, whether utilised alongside another striker in a 3-5-2 or as the lone number nine in the ‘Christmas Tree’ 4-3-2-1.

Strong summer provides attacking options to support Leao at Milan

In the closing days of the summer transfer window, the Rossoneri signed Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea in what was their most expensive purchase of the market.

The French forward provides a versatile option across a range of attacking positions and could complement Leao well, whether sat behind him alongside Christian Pulisic or in a two-man front line with the Portuguese star.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Christian Pulisic 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 by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Santiago Gimenez also offers further versatility in the Rossoneri attack and Allegri now has a range of different options available to him for different scenarios.