AC Milan will take to the field against Atalanta in a few hours time and Stefano Pioli hopes for goals from Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport write, the ‘Theao’ pairing made the team great during the Scudetto win last season as Theo Hernandez’s marauding runs for left-back and Leao’s direct threat made them simply unstoppable at times, especially with the confidence that then blossomed.
In the last three games they have shown signs of recovery, especially the Frenchman, but Theo is still without a goal since November 5 and Leao since January 14.
At this point last season the Frenchman already had four goals to his name and he only has half that amount thus far in 2022-23, but against Spurs and Monza he offered signs suggesting he is getting back to his best form with some great work in the attacking third.
Leao’s 2023 has been anything but positive meanwhile. His last goal dates back to the match against Lecce more than a month ago, then seven games without goals across league and cup competitions.
In Monza he hit the post and it suggested that he was very much up for the contest but after that he nearly vanished. A couple of flashes against Spurs resulted in nothing, and it is becoming apparent that Leao needs space to show his qualities, which the new system might not offer him. Or, something could soon click.
