AC Milan star Rafael Leao could be set to start from the bench for the third consecutive Serie A game this Saturday, with reports indicating that coach Paulo Fonseca is leaning toward fielding Noah Okafor instead for their matchup against Monza. In recent games, Leao was notably left out of the starting lineup against Udinese, where he stayed on the bench for the entire 90 minutes, and then came on only in the second half against Napoli.
The forward’s recent role reduction has sparked intrigue and speculation, especially after his early substitution in Milan’s Champions League victory over Club Brugge. Fonseca opted to withdraw Leao while the score remained level, and the change paid off almost immediately when Okafor, who replaced Leao, assisted Tijjani Reijnders shortly after entering the field.
Fonseca Defends Bold Moves, Faces Mixed Reactions
Fonseca’s recent decisions to limit Leao’s playing time have not gone unnoticed, drawing both curiosity and criticism from fans and analysts alike. Many have questioned the choice to bench one of Milan’s top talents, with some wondering if tactical adjustments or other considerations are driving Fonseca’s strategy. However, the Milan coach appears unfazed by the criticism, confident in his decisions as he continues to prioritize the overall performance of the team.
Rather than focusing on individual star power, Fonseca’s recent choices suggest a team-first approach. While the debate continues among fans, Fonseca’s willingness to sideline one of Milan’s leading players reflects his focus on results and his trust in players like Okafor to make an impact when called upon.
Okafor Set to Step Up in Clash Against Monza
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that during Friday’s training, Okafor was again slotted into the starting lineup, reinforcing the likelihood that Fonseca will go with him over Leao for Saturday’s clash. Okafor’s recent performance, especially his assist against Club Brugge, may have earned him the coach’s confidence for another start.
As Milan gears up to face Monza, Fonseca’s choice highlights a shift in team dynamics, with Okafor expected to contribute from the outset and Leao potentially taking on a different role. Fans will be watching closely to see how the lineup adjustments influence Milan’s game and whether Leao’s future at Milan could be impacted by this evolving strategy.
