The key point lies in the account of our editorialist, Sandro Sabatini: the embrace at the end of the match between Sergio Conceição and Rafael Leao was sincere, loyal, and a beautiful moment for the entire Milan environment.
The Rossoneri coach thanking the strongest talent in the squad for gifting him three crucial points in the race for fourth place. This is also the beauty of football—the tension of the match melting away in a seemingly simple gesture that, in reality, carries an enormous symbolic message.
A second time on the bench for Leao under Conceicao...
A necessary premise: Rafa was not at 100% due to a slight ankle issue. This can be considered the unofficial explanation for his second consecutive game starting on the bench after the one against Roma. In Empoli, the Portuguese forward, brought on by Sergio Conceição at the start of the second half, showed that he can still make a difference even at 80% of his physical condition. His fifth league goal came through the least refined technical move in his repertoire—an imposing leap and an unstoppable header past Vasquez.
Leao's maturity
starting on the bench this season is certainly not an absolute novelty—it had already happened multiple times, even during Paulo Fonseca's brief tenure. The real novelty lies in the Portuguese forward’s different attitude. Both against Roma and Empoli, he came on with great determination. Gone were the sulking expressions, replaced by smiles. Rafa has understood that Conceição’s decisions are made for the good of the team but also for his own benefit, as he will now be able to take the field in Rotterdam against Feyenoord on Wednesday in better physical condition. This is not a punishment but rather a crucial step in making his definitive leap in quality. Sergio expects a lot from him, both in possession and without the ball, but he wants to build this journey step by step. The response has been positive, with Leao showing full commitment. He is becoming a leader—not just technically, but also in other aspects of the team. Because leadership is not only about words but also about setting an example on the pitch.
