Italian media criticise Milan star Rafael Leao as Allegri’s alert goes viral | OneFootball

Italian newspapers question whether Rafael Leao can play as a classic centre forward at Milan, while Massimiliano Allegri’s warning to the Portuguese star during a game against Juventus went viral.

Rafael Leao has only made two substitute appearances in Serie A this season as the Portugal international returned to action at the end of September after over a month on the sidelines due to a calf injury.

Disappointing Leao after return from injury

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)

Leao has made his only two league appearances against Napoli and Juventus, and a big chance he missed against the Bianconeri on Sunday has cast doubt on whether he can play as a centre-forward under Allegri this term.

The Italian tactician has switched to a 3-5-2 system, and Leao already played as a centre-forward during the pre-season, delivering convincing performances.

Leao scored on his season debut in Coppa Italia against Bari on August 17, seconds before suffering an injury that ruled him out of action until two weeks ago.

Every Italian sports paper today has a story on Leao on its front page. Tuttosport calls the Portuguese ‘an issue’ for Milan. Corriere dello Sport says the Portuguese ‘divides’ Milan, while Gazzetta warns that the 26-year-old risks not being a regular starter if he doesn’t improve his performances.

Allegri’s messages to Leao

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Allegri said after a 0-0 draw against Juventus that Leao had to be “ruthless” but the Italian tactician is trying to encourage, in his own way, the Portuguese on the pitch as well.

A video that has gone viral in Italy shows Allegri telling Leao “don’t p** me off” before the 26-year-old was introduced as a substitute against Juventus on Sunday.