Leao’s Striker Dilemma: Can Milan’s Star Lead as a Classic No.9 Under Allegri?

Leao’s role under scrutiny

Italian media are asking whether Rafael Leao can function as a classical center-forward for Milan, a role suggested by coach Massimiliano Allegri. The warning from the Milan coach circulated in the hours after the clash with Juventus, highlighting expectations and the pressure on the Portugal international. Leao has yet to start this season as a traditional number nine, having appeared only as a substitute in two league matches, returning from a calf injury at the end of September after missing more than a month in the first match of the season in the Coppa Italia.

Missed chances and debate

The discussion has intensified after Leao played two league games as a substitute and squandered a clear opportunity in stoppage time against the Bianconeri when a left sided cross found him unmarked at the far post, only for his shot to miss the target with the goal wide open. Milan lined up in a 3-5-2, and Leao had already performed as a pure striker during the pre-season, even scoring in the Coppa Italia opener against Bari shortly before his injury ended that momentum.

Allegri’s stance and Milan’s form

The Italian papers also quoted Allegri addressing Leao’s absence of pace and sharpness after a 45 day layoff. He said the forward was returning to full rhythm and that he and Nkunku possess the qualities to decide matches, noting Leao joined from the wing to fulfill a striking role in previous seasons. Allegri recalled a sequence from a recent game where Leao was involved in a notable move with Modrić, praising the player’s talent while stressing the need for decisiveness in front of goal.

Behind-the-scenes moments

A video circulated showing Allegri reacting intensely behind Milan’s bench, with footage of him telling Leao not to anger him just moments before a substitution. The moment underscored the nerves and high expectations surrounding Milan’s frontline as both coaches push for clearer roles and sharper finishing from their forwards.

Milan and Juventus: current form

Milan began the campaign with six matches and one surprise loss to Cremonese at home, but then steadied the ship by going five games without defeat. They beat Lecce 2-0 and Udinese 3-0, drew 0-0 with Juventus, and secured home wins against Bologna 1-0 and Napoli 2-1, and now sit third with 13 points. Juventus, after a strong start with three straight wins, slipped into a sequence of draws across competitions. In Serie A, they have drawn with Verona and Atalanta, and most recently with Milan, while posting a 3-3 record in overall form across the last six matches. After six games, Juventus have 3 wins and 3 draws, scoring nine goals and conceding five, sitting fifth and level with Inter on points but behind on goal difference.

Allegri’s assessment and Leao’s late miss have kept the focus squarely on Milan’s attacking balance and whether Leao can convert chances when they matter most. The Ligue-like tension around the Milan–Juventus rivalry continues to shape how the media and supporters view Milan’s attacking solutions as the season progresses.

Punchline time: if Leao starts finishing like a marksman, Allegri might finally stop shouting and start writing love letters to the net. And if Milan want a reliable center-forward this season, they might need to hire a magician, because turning opportunities into goals sometimes looks like magic with this squad.