Leao's San Siro Streak Ends? Milan Target Fiorentina in a Homecomeback Quest
17 October 2025
Leao's Home Goal Drought Faces a Fiorentina Test
Rafael Leao, the Portuguese winger of Milan, has not found the net at San Siro since May 2024, a drought that overshadows the club's preparations for a big weekend in Serie A.
As Milan welcome Fiorentina to San Siro on Sunday, Leao will be looking to end a home goal drought that has stretched for more than a year, hoping to reassert himself in front of the Rossoneri faithful.
His last home goal at San Siro came on May 25, 2024, in a 3-3 draw with Salernitana in the final round of the 2023-24 season, a reminder that even a star can go quiet when the fixtures pile up.
Curiously, Leao will square off against his former Milan boss Stefano Pioli this weekend, a narrative twist that could sharpen the focus and motivation around the fixture.
He has only recently stepped back onto the pitch after recovering from a muscle issue sustained in Milan’s season-opening Coppa Italia match against Bari on August 17, reappearing as a substitute on a couple of occasions this term.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Leao’s first real league involvement of the 2025-26 campaign could come against Fiorentina, particularly with Christian Pulisic potentially sidelined by a hamstring problem, further constraining Milan’s attack.
Pulisic has been one of Milan’s most influential attackers in recent seasons, and his absence would amplify pressure on Leao to deliver a decisive performance as Milan balance league duties with domestic cups and the ongoing hunt for consistency.
Milán’s season so far has seen them drifting between peaks and troughs. After opening with a Coppa Italia win, they slipped to a surprising league defeat but then found momentum with a string of victories that elevated them to third place in Serie A, five or so weeks into the campaign.
Defensively, Milan have been solid at times, while their goals have been distributed across the lineup rather than relying on a single scorer. Leao’s form remains crucial if they want to challenge the top two and keep pace with a Napoli-led charge at the summit.
Injuries and international duty have taken a toll on Milan’s squad depth this season, with Saelemaekers and Estupián among those reported to have faced issues during the international window, complicating the coach’s selection plans for the Fiorentina game.
All told, the Fiorentina clash represents not just three Serie A points but also a moment of personal and collective revival for Milan as they chase a return to the European elite and a signature win to silence lingering questions about consistency this term.
Sniper’s take: If Leao breaks the home drought, Milan’s stadium may finally learn how to cheer in unison again—talk about a home improvement project. Sniper’s second line: If Pioli’s tactical map ever shows a road to the goal, Leao might just redraw it in red and black chalk.
