That Fonseca drops Leao for a key game in Milan raises eyebrows

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That Fonseca drops Leao for a key game in Milan raises eyebrows

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 are already questioning Paulo Fonseca’s decision to bench Rafael Leao for today’s important Champions League game against Slovan Bratislava.

The Rossoneri must win in Slovakia today after picking up just six points in the first four Champions League rounds this term.

There is considerable pressure on coach Fonseca and the players, especially after Saturday’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Juventus, after which fans at the San Siro booed the team.

That Fonseca drops Leao for a key game in Milan raises eyebrows

epa11736810 AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match AC Milan vs Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, November 23, 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI
epa11736810 AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca reacts during the Italian Serie A soccer match AC Milan vs Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, November 23, 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

Leao, Milan’s highest earner and arguably the best player in the squad, has already started a couple of big games on the bench this season, including a Serie A away game at Lazio and a home game against Napoli.

The Portuguese responded positively, putting in a big performance in a 3-1 win over Real Madrid earlier this month and a clash with Cagliari before the November break.

That is why Fonseca’s decision to drop the Portuguese star for today’s game has raised eyebrows in Italy.

Fonseca changes six starters after Saturday’s draw against Juventus, and Leao will be the only top player to start on the bench.

La Gazzetta dello Sport notes that the decision is rather surprising given that Alvaro Morata is suspended, while Christian Pulisic is not fully fit after the November break. The USMNT star returns to the Milan lineup tonight after starting on the bench against Juventus at the weekend.