A Rafael Leao goals challenge has been issued by AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, with the Italian coach demanding more goals from the Portuguese attacker.
“Leao has to think about scoring goals. Forwards are judged on that. He has to score,” Allegri stated in a press conference ahead of Milan’s next fixture. The manager acknowledged Leao’s recent struggles with fitness issues that have plagued the 26-year-old throughout the campaign.
“He did score in Cagliari even if he wasn’t fully fit. This discomfort has been bothering him,” Allegri explained. “He can only improve, given that in the first part of the season, he missed quite a few matches due to calf and adductor problems.”
Leao has scored six goals and provided one assist in 11 Serie A appearances this season. Allegri however expects more from his star man since his new position change to a striker as opposed to being a pure winger in previous seasons.
Allegri also confirmed Christopher Nkunku will miss the upcoming match due to an ankle problem. “The same goes for Nkunku, who won’t be available tomorrow,” the Italian tactician said. “We hope to have him back in Florence, as the knock on his ankle is still bothering him.”
Nkunku has scored two goals and provided two assists in 12 Serie A appearances since joining Milan from Chelsea on a five-year deal worth €42 million in August 2025. He scored a brace against Hellas Verona in late December before suffering the ankle setback.
The injuries come at an awkward time for Milan as they look to maintain their push for Champions League qualification. Leao must score goals to justify his status as one of the team’s leading attackers, while Nkunku’s absence removes another scoring option from Allegri’s arsenal.
What Else?
In 2025, he recorded 12 goals and eight assists across 40 appearances in all competitions, showing he can deliver when fit.
Milan will hope both forwards can overcome their physical issues quickly. With the season reaching a critical phase, Allegri needs all his attacking weapons available to secure the top-four finish he has targeted.
