Rafael Leão: “I’m learning to be a number 9” after winning goal against Lazio [video] | OneFootball

Milan 1-0 Lazio

AC Milan moved top of the Serie A standings after Rafael Leão’s goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Lazio at San Siro on Saturday evening.

The Portugal forward was on-hand to convert Fikayo Tomori’s cross to finish off a nicely-worked Milan goal five minutes into the second half. Leao partnered Frenchman Christopher Nkunku in a strike duo as Massimiliano Allegri deployed his familiar 3-5-2 formation, meaning the Seleção man is becoming accustomed to a different role.

“I am learning to be a Number 9, but the team helps me, both on and off the field,” Leão said after the match. “They understand the movements, Tomori’s cross was a movement that we have tried in training, so I knew where to go to meet it.

“We’ve got to keep this going, we beat a strong Lazio side who wanted to climb the table, and we’re very happy.

“We are on the right path, but there are many games to go this season. We worked very well this week and want to keep it going. We play Lazio again in four days and want to beat them again, with help from our incredible fans.”

On the positioning of the former Sporting forward, Allegri mentioned that playing as a striker is something Leão has experience of, stemming from his time in France. During a season at Lille, Leão often played as a spearhead of Christophe Galtier’s attack in a central position, which prompted Milan’s interest in 2019.

“Leão was already a centre-forward playing for Lille, he had a good header on target today,” Allegri said. “When the ball comes from wide, he has started making those runs towards the box, but he also has the option to move around in various attacking positions.”

Milan are now one point clear of Roma in 1st position, with the club from the capital set to host champions Napoli, who are three points off top spot, on Sunday evening.