AC Milan celebrated a thrilling start to 2026, thanks to Rafael Leao, who they hope will shine once again as Genoa pays a visit to San Siro tonight. Leao’s recent performance has drawn attention, particularly his change in playing style as he adapts to Massimiliano Allegri’s expectations.
In a pre-match press conference, Allegri emphasized the importance of goal-scoring for Leao. He pointed out, “He has to think about scoring goals,” suggesting a shift in Leao’s role from a flashy winger to a more direct and lethal forward. This tactical change has resulted in fewer successful dribbles for Leao, dropping from an impressive 3.9 to just 0.5 per game. Instead, he is positioning himself more effectively to convert chances in critical areas.
The statistics reflect this shift, with Leao shooting almost twice as often from inside the penalty area and three times as frequently from close range. In just 11 games, he has netted six goals, showcasing a remarkable efficiency in front of the goal with an average of one goal every 122 minutes—the best ratio of his Serie A career to date.
Leao will reunite with Christian Pulisic tonight, a pairing that Allegri has favored since summer friendlies. The duo has only started in a league match together once before, during a clash with Inter on November 23rd, making tonight’s match an exciting opportunity for fans and a potential game-changer for the team. With key players like Christopher Nkunku sidelined due to an ankle injury and Niclas Füllkrug not yet fit for a starting role, the pairing of Leao and Pulisic appears to be the optimal choice for the upcoming challenge.
Milan is set to enter a demanding schedule with four games in just 11 days, giving them a chance to leverage their lack of European commitments, which allows for a more focused weekly game plan. Tonight’s match against Genoa also provides the opportunity to establish a small gap between Milan and competitors, particularly in light of Napoli’s recent draw against Verona and Inter’s victory over Parma.
Recalling the frustration of last year’s 0-0 draw against Genoa, where Milan failed to capitalize on numerous chances, fans will be hopeful that the team’s recent offensive efficiency—significantly improved under Allegri’s guidance—will lead to a more fruitful outcome. Milan has scored 12 goals from their first shot on target this season, highlighting not just skill, but a shift in mentality amongst the attackers, especially Leao, who has proven to be more decisive.
As the Rossoneri prepare for tonight’s match, the question is whether Leao will find the net again against Genoa, a team he last scored against at home during the title-winning Scudetto season. With heightened expectations, the stakes are high, and the San Siro crowd is eager to witness if this talented forward can deliver once again.