AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is studying various ways to get Rafael Leao into the starting XI, according to a report.
The Portuguese starlet has struggled for space in recent weeks with Krzysztof Piatek preferred as the centre-forward and Hakan Calhanoglu as the left winger.
However, Leao came on for the closing stages of Milan’s 0-0 draw with Sassuolo, hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession and making an instant impact.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday, the 20-year-old’s display means it will be ‘hard to keep him out’, especially given that he was the most expensive summer purchase.
On Sunday, Milan will close 2019 with a game away against Atalanta, and Leao has a definite chance to break into the starting lineup.
At the moment though, Pioli considers Leao an alternative to Piatek, despite the fact that they have completely different characteristics.
In recent weeks though the Pole has found himself playing outside of the penalty area again, something he wanted to avoid, and that is why Pioli could start thinking about a two-pronged attack.
Leao’s dynamism plus the opportunity to move Piatek closer to the goal presents an exciting opportunity but a formation change would be necessary, with La Gazzetta concluding by suggesting that a 4-4-2 is possible.
