GdS: Leao ‘takes aim’ – how work at Milanello is boosting hopes of big season finale

If AC Milan are to complete an unlikely comeback in the Scudetto race they need everyone firing, especially Rafael Leao.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) report, Leao is aiming to improve his aim in front of goal to be the undisputed protagonist in the final ten rounds. In addition to qualifying for a place in next season’s Champions League, Milan will try to make the title race an interesting one.

The Portuguese scored against Cremonese, in the Rossoneri’s last away win, but that second goal was a tap-in on the counter in the 94th minute. Leao wants to score ‘important’ goals, to be a driving force and decisive. That’s why he’s been working as hard as, if not more than, the others for weeks.

He’s not thinking about the World Cup, or at least right now his priority isn’t the competition scheduled for June or July overseas. He’s got Milan on his mind and a spring period to play a leading role, as a striker, just as Massimiliano Allegri wants.

Work with Corradi

Rafa is training hard to erase the last signs of pubalgia. It was not a minor issue for him: the pain affected him tremendously, forcing him to slow down during the week and skip some training sessions while others were sweating.

This is why his legs haven’t always been as fast as they used to, and he’s missed more chances than usual in front of goal. Leao, however, hasn’t given up. In fact he’s more determined than ever: he continues to work alone, away from Milanello, strengthening his muscles with specific exercises.

Meanwhile, at the training ground, he’s undergoing a specific injury prevention program and taking care of every aspect of his game, including his shots on goal. With a special mentor: in addition to the advice of Allegri, who always pushes him to give his all, he also has Bernardo Corradi.

Corradi is the Livorno-born coach’s assistant and a former No.9 who scored double figures in Serie A in five different seasons. He knows how to play centre-forward, and while Francesco Magnanelli focuses more on midfielders and the non-possession phase, Corradi works with the forwards.

Sacrifice and a new home

Judging by the move that led to Pervis Estupinan’s derby-winning goal, the results are showing. Youssouf Fofana’s through ball to Estupinan was beautiful, but Rafa’s movement played a key role in the move, as he dropped to receive the ball and then laid it off, dragging a market out.

It’s one of the many moves tested in the Milanello ‘laboratory’, where Leao smiles when he has the ball at his feet, but he’s learned the importance of memorising every detail required of him now that he often plays with his back to goal.

Allegri has won him over more than Paulo Fonseca and Sergio Conceiçao, and the former Lille star has fully embraced the changes proposed to him. Did you notice the run into his own penalty area on Sunday, just minutes into the match?

It’s a sign the coaching staff appreciated and confirms the tactical transformation of Leao, who speaks like a leader even off the pitch. In front of the microphones (remember the phrase ‘The derby is a do-or-die match’ uttered after the away match in Cremona?), but also on social media.

Speaking of new, Leao has also moved houses to the Porta Nuova area closer to San Siro, where he often welcomes his children.

Finally, his contract will be new, longer than the current one, which expires in 2028. Negotiations are underway, and if he further improves his goal tally in 2025-26 (he’s at nine in Serie A), signing a deal might be easier.