Eight days ago, Rafael Leão left the pitch at San Siro, substituted in a match that was already compromised against Udinese, amid boos from his own supporters. It was a moment that made a strong impact, because such a level of public disapproval had never really been heard before for the Portuguese forward, who has certainly never been free from criticism and discontent, but had not experienced anything quite like this.
In today’s match against Hellas Verona, scheduled for 3pm at the 'Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi', the Milan number 10 is also playing for a significant part of his future.
Massimiliano Allegri does not appear willing to be influenced by the situation and continues to trust Rafa: for this reason, today in the return to a 3-5-2 formation, the Portuguese will again start alongside Christian Pulisic, as relayed via Milan News today.
At the same time, during the week the player has worked hard at Milanello while maintaining a restrained communication style on social media. This morning, Tuttosport headlines:
"Leao returns after the boos. Allegri: 'it did him good'."
The subheading of the article states: "Starter at the Bentegodi. No Instagram posts and very few stories published: he has changed his attitude."
Rafael is also one of five players at risk of suspension, meaning they could miss the match against Juventus. Alongside him are Luka Modrić, Alexis Saelemaekers, Athekame and Youssouf Fofana.
