"Rafael Leao has never been a penalty taker, but this weekend, he needed to be. With the pressure on, though, he delivered for AC Milan. In recent years, the lineup from the spot has gone to others. Christian Pulisic, Santiago Gimenez, Theo Hernandez, Tammy Abraham. Never Leao. It seemed at one point that this may have continued on Sunday, but it didn't."
"As Gazzetta dello Sport writes, for a long time, it seemed like Youssouf Fofana may have been the man to take the spot kick. Especially with him taking the ball into the area, and guarding the spot whilst the referee consulted with his team. However, when the penalty was confirmed, Leao stepped forward, taking the ball from Fofana after a quick conversation, and dispatched the ball home."
"Until that point, he had never been the penalty taker, as the report writes, at least not for the Rossoneri. Yet, his attempt was perfect, like that of a seasoned professional. Mature, cool, calm, collected. Decisive. Allegri spoke after the game, stating that the decision was made in advance, with Fofana only standing as a protector. Perhaps, even, to soak up the pressure from San Siro and the Fiorentina players."
Rafael Leao had never been a regular penalty taker for AC Milan. When a penalty arose on Sunday, Youssouf Fofana approached and guarded the spot while the referee consulted. After confirmation, Leao took the ball from Fofana following a brief exchange and calmly dispatched the penalty. The attempt drew praise for its maturity and composure. Coach Massimiliano Allegri said the decision was prearranged, with Fofana positioned to protect and absorb pressure. The successful conversion reinforced Leao's role as a decisive centre-piece for Milan and indicated Allegri's growing influence on his responsibilities.
Read at SempreMilan
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