As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport in this morning's print edition, both Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud have been goalless for months at San Siro.
Olivier Giroud since August, Rafael Leao since September. It's been a strange year for the Frenchman; he has scored 8 goals, his best since 2011, almost all away from home. His experience is crucial. Regarding Leao, his output has halved compared to last year: six goals by the fourteenth game of the 2022-23 season; back then, he had 50 total shots, now only 25.
Overall, there's been a decrease in involvement in team play and the sense of danger he used to provide with his first touch. Even his mood has dropped: from smiling before scoring to the last image in Salerno, nervous and critical.
Actually, there are more recent photos, those posted yesterday on social media: Rafa celebrating after winning a training match at Milanello and shaking hands with young Camarda, back among the seniors.
The home drought remains, totaling seven months of absence in their careers: three for Leao, four for Giroud. A paradox for the two top scorers for Milan in the last ten years: 47 goals for the Portuguese left-winger, and 41 goals for the former chelsea and Arsenal forward.
A gap to fill quickly: their performance is crucial for a Champions League spot. Milan needs to accelerate with Rafa's sprint and secure their position with Giroud's experience: today, Bologna trails by two points behind them in fourth position, Fiorentina by three. Sassuolo, arriving at San Siro with the second-worst defence in the tournament, presents the best opportunity to resume the interrupted momentum against Salernitana. Pioli expects them to respond on the field now.
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