From the defeat against Cremonese to Sunday’s win over Napoli, only a month has passed, yet Milan looks like a completely different team. Massimiliano Allegri’s side seems to have finally found balance, along with compactness, defensive solidity, and a clear playing identity.
All of this came without their number 10, Rafael Leao, who returned only in the last league match after more than a month out through injury. His absence was not felt, in fact the team “benefited” from it, taking more responsibility and growing tighter as a unit. Now, with the Portuguese back, Allegri faces the task of reintroducing Leao into the system without breaking the balance that has been achieved. Yes... but how?
Allegri and Leao’s reintegration: a “risk” and an opportunity
For Allegri, Rafael Leao is a guaranteed starter. His burst of pace, his ability to change a match instantly, and to attract multiple defenders to himself (as seen against Napoli) are qualities the team cannot do without. For this reason, the coach will find a way to slot him back into the structure, even at the “risk” of disrupting a mechanism that is currently working.
Without Leao, Milan developed new, different automatisms. Bringing him back may initially cause some imbalance, especially defensively, but in attack the number 10 adds decisive weight. He could even turn into a lethal weapon: a compact Milan at the back and devastating up front thanks to its top player, as relayed via Milannews.it.
Management will be key
Milan will soon be able to count again on their star, Rafael Leao, who still needs to regain full condition after a month out. With Juventus coming up, it is difficult to see the Portuguese starting from the beginning, but the path is clear. Milan wants its champion back, without giving up what has been built in this first month.
