The match between Juventus and AC Milan tonight will involve two players who are capable of winning games on their own at times: Federico Chiesa and Rafael Leao. However, both are going through a not exactly brilliant moment.
La Gazzetta dello Sport speak about a recent drop in the levels of both players, as if the switch had suddenly gone off. However, the nobility of this evening’s match at the Allianz Stadium – although it offers nothing more than second place and honour – may be able to reawaken their talent.
Milan is the team against which Chiesa has been involved in the most goals in Serie A: six, three goals and three assists, the same as against Bologna, Udinese and Sassuolo. However, the statistics also say that in his last four matches against the Rossoneri in the championship he was not involved in any goals.
The last time he celebrated against the Devil was in the 2020-21 season with Andrea Pirlo on the bench, when he scored a double at San Siro. It was his most prolific year in terms of scoring, ending with 15 goals, eight of which were in Serie A (seven with Juventus and one with Fiorentina).
Now he has eight (seven in the league) but five came in 2023. Since the beginning of 2024, Chiesa has found the net twice (three times also counting the Coppa Italia) and his last goal in Serie A dates back to more than a month and a half ago.
Players with the means of Chiesa (as well as Leao) are asked to be decisive in the games that matter the most. Federico has scored above all in the small teams (Lazio and Napoli aside) and in the last period his performance has been alternating current.
Something more will be needed in this season finale to convince the Italian coach Luciano Spalletti in view of the European Championship. Max Allegri, barring any surprises, will pair Chiesa with Dusan Vlahovic, then Kenan Yildiz will be a weapon off the bench.
Rafa Leao will have to get a move on, in every sense. The videos of the last derby nail it: the images of Leao on the pitch walking while the Nerazzurri wave advances around him went viral.
It had already happened twice against Roma, and in the third instance the fans expressed their feeling that Leao decides the medium-low profile matches, the most recent goal being against Sassuolo for example, but too often he was absent in the big matches.
The one against Juventus is the best opportunity to redeem themselves and also the last: the season will end without other direct clashes for the Rossoneri. The winger will have an additional responsibility: the captain’s armband.
Pioli confirms and adds: “He is living the moment like all his team-mates and like all of us. It was a strong pain to lose the derby and see our rivals celebrate. We just have to react with the next matches.”
Pioli extended his hand to Leao again: he had done so after the terrible performance in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals against Roma. Three days later, in Reggio Emilia, Rafa seemed destined for the bench: partly to catch his breath, partly due to a technical choice.
To lift his legs and spirits, the coach fielded him from the start and he scored. Even before that, Pioli had chosen Leao as captain against Verona last September.
It was a symbolic decision: Rafa was in crisis after his failed back-heel attempt in the Champions League match against Newcastle, which ended without a goal.
More so than Pioli, Leao must convince Ibra, who is instead starting his new career as a Rossoneri advisor. Zlatan had welcomed Rafa into his circle, a talented boy who Ibrahimovic criticised or applauded as needed.
Leao recognised the importance of his ex team-mate in his professional growth. Now, however, rather than applause, it is time for criticism: if the Rossoneri fans are tired of seeing Leao without that ruthless nature, and Ibra certainly cannot be satisfied.
Spirit comes before talent: it is one of the assumptions on which Zlatan has built his career. More than anyone, Rafa knows that it is better not to make him angry. Ibra will watch him from the stands, Leao must return to earning new applause.
It is utter madness for Leao to be captain, he is lazy and does not show any leadership skills. Yes he is our most talented player, but he is certainly not captain material
Surely someone who wears the captain’s armband has to have motivational and leadership qualities…… Leao currently has non.
A big shout, but based on his current form and commitment I would give the captaincy to Gabbia. He’s also one of our own.
Forza ACM⚡
I think the players have given up. No faith in Pioli and his switching of starting lineup/system 33 games into a season. Everyone understands he is leaving so no one is putting out for him anymore…
Juve may be another heartless defeat.