AC Milan's Rafael Leao benched for third time in four games

As initially speculated, Rafael Leao has been benched by AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca for their Serie A game against Monza. Forward Okafor has been confirmed to start in place of Leao, who will hope to feature mid-game. 

This is the third time in four games this season that the Portugal international has been ruled out of the starting XI, thus raising questions among supporters, who are wondering what has happened behind the scenes for their talisman to receive this kind of treatment. 

Nevertheless, Fonseca reassures that there are no ill feelings behind his decision. “I made my choice. There’s no conflict. I don’t want to enter into details, it’s private topic. This is the correct squad to face Monza," he said ahead of the game.

He further hinted at the possibility of Leao returning in the first eleven for Milan's upcoming Champions League showdown at the Bernabeu. “We play Real next week, I’m managing the players," he added.

AC Milan starting XI:

Maignan (GK); Terracciano, Thiaw, Pavlovic, Theo Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Okafor; Morata.

Monza starting XI:

Turati (GK); Izzo, Marì, Carboni; Pereira, Bondo, Bianco, Kyriakopoulos; Mota, Maldini; Djuric.

 

November 2, 2024