"Going into the season, there were some doubts about whether Massimiliano Allegri could get the best out of Rafael Leao, and answers have begun to arrive. As Tuttosport write, Allegri's work with Leao seems to be doing the trick, as the two goals against Fiorentina on October 19th and the one against Pisa on Friday show. Atalanta will be the proof, as the forward hopes to score in three consecutive league games for the first time since April 2024."
"The two struck a rapport early on. First, they got closer during summer preparations, then they developed a mutual respect for their roles, with Allegri immediately making Leao responsible and the Portuguese accommodating the coach's requests. Then came the constant and insistent use as a striker during friendlies, with encouraging responses. The goal in the Coppa Italia match against Bari in mid-August seemed to be a launching point, until an injury kept him out for over a month."
"Stefano Pioli transformed the young Rafa from a highly talented prospect to the Serie A MVP in a title-winning season, playing as a left winger. Now, Allegri has the task of elevating the former Lille man into a striker fit for the big stage. This means he will have to score more goals than he has so far. Leao's best tally was 16 goal in the 2022-23 season, with 15 coming in the league."
Massimiliano Allegri built a closer relationship with Rafael Leao through summer preparations and tactical responsibility, producing improved performances and recent goals. Leao scored twice against Fiorentina and once against Pisa and aims to score in three consecutive league matches for the first time since April 2024. Allegri used Leao consistently as a striker in friendlies, and Leao responded despite an injury that sidelined him for over a month. Stefano Pioli previously converted Leao into Serie A MVP as a left winger; Allegri now seeks to turn him into a more prolific center-forward capable of scoring significantly more goals.
Read at SempreMilan
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