Rusty Rafael Leao needs to recover as Allegri’s ‘missing piece’ at Milan | OneFootball

Milan drew 0-0 with Juventus on Sunday evening in what would be, under any normal circumstances, a great result for the Rossoneri. However, a missed penalty by Christian Pulisic and a couple of good chances left begging by Rafael Leao meant that the Bianconeri will likely come away as the happier of the two teams.

Leao entered from the bench, replacing Santiago Giménez around the hour mark, as he continues his recovery from an injury that saw him miss the first month-and-a-half of the season. The Portuguese winger came off after just 17 minutes in the Rossoneri’s 2-0 Coppa Italia win over Bari in August and did not return to the field again until his cameo in last weekend’s win against Napoli.

Whilst Leao is still recovering, one cannot help but feel that the Portuguese star is Massimiliano Allegri’s missing piece at Milan and if the forward can rediscover his form and his confidence, the Rossoneri’s Scudetto hopes may inch closer to reality.

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Federico Gatti of Juventus FC tackles Rafael Leao of AC Milan 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)

Rafael Leao struggles to finish chances as Milan draw with Juventus

Just minutes after he came on, Rafael Leao took a shot from the halfway line that was testament to his usual flair and confidence. The forward spotted Michele Di Gregorio off his line in the Juventus goal and attempted to hit a first-time shot from the middle of the park. The shot looped well but was a bit too high, going just over the bar as the Bianconeri shot-stopper was left scrambling to get back.

Leao’s next two major involvements, however, did not reflect so well on the Portuguese international.

With around twenty minutes left, Milan were working the ball nicely around the Juventus penalty area. Christian Pulisic put a deadly ball into the box that found Leao free at the back post. However, the forward scuffed his shot and dragged it wide from close range.

Then, with just a minute left on the clock, talismanic midfielder Luka Modric played a phenomenal through ball to Leao but the forward never had it under complete control and fired a relatively tame effort for Di Gregorio to leap and save. The match finished 0-0.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Luka Modric of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

After years of hype, Leao must deliver again at Milan

Rafael Leao has been an integral part of Milan’s team for six years now since his arrival from Lille in 2019.

After scintillating form in the 2021-22 season, where the forward helped the Rossoneri lift the Scudetto, Leao followed it up with a career-record 15 league goals in the 2022-23 campaign.

However, the two seasons since have been marred by inconsistency. Leao was crowned the top assist provider in the 2023-24 season but has scored just 17 times for the Rossoneri in his last 70 league games.

For a player who is consistently linked with moves to Europe’s elite every summer, he will be hoping for more.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

With Allegri now at the helm at Milan, a new era is seemingly being ushered in. The club removed deadwood and unsavoury characters in the summer and signed some talented players – including experienced midfielder Luka Modric, who has shone since his arrival from Real Madrid.

With a talented midfield and a resolute defence, Milan are now just missing more firepower in attack. Santiago Giménez has failed to meet expectations since his move from Feyenoord last season, leaving supporting stars like Christian Pulisic with a lot of heavy lifting to do behind the front line.

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)

In the summer friendlies, Allegri utilised Leao as a centre-forward in place of Gimenez, whilst the Mexican was away on holiday. This was a signal of the coach’s intention to use the former Lille man in the centre of his attack, a plan Allegri has been unable to put into effect.

Now, the forward must recover his fitness and his confidence. The time has come once again for Milan’s shining star to captivate Rossoneri hearts on the pitch and it will be up to him to help usher in a new golden age for the historic Italian club.