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MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Rafael Leao of AC Milan is challenged by Francisco Conceicao and Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 23, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Italian media already question Paulo Fonseca’s decision to bench Rafael Leao for today’s key Champions League game against Slovan Bratislava.
The Rossoneri must win in Slovakia today having collected just six points in the opening four Champions League rounds this term.
There’s considerable pressure on coach Fonseca and the players, especially after Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Juventus, after which fans at San Siro booed the team.
Fonseca dropping Leao for key Milan game raises eyebrows
Leao, Milan’s highest earner and arguably the best player in the team, has already started a few big games on the bench this season, including an away Serie A fixture at Lazio and a home league match against Napoli.
The Portuguese reacted positively, putting in a big performance in a 3-1 win over Real Madrid earlier this month and a brace against Cagliari before the November break.
This is why Fonseca’s decision to drop the Portuguese star for today’s fixture has raised eyebrows in Italy.
Fonseca will change six starters after Saturday’s draw against Juventus, and Leao will be the only top player starting on the bench.
La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that the decision is quite surprising given that Alvaro Morata is suspended while Christian Pulisic is not entirely fit after the November break. The USMNT star will return to the Milan line-up this evening after starting on the bench against Juventus over the weekend.