When Milan prepares for Bologna in Serie A, the fans were quick to notice a major change in the Lagarket: Rafael Leao will not present. The Portuguese forward, one of Milan’s most electric players, is absent from a fixture with significant weight. With Christian Pulisic will start from the frontAnd Bologna who sees a return to the top four, the efforts are high.
Milan comes into the game that bends by another dirty comeback. In their recent excursion, rossoneri turned a deficit to beat Genoa 2-1. It was a match marked by resilience and – ironically –A crucial contribution from LeaoWho came from the bench, got the equalizer and helped inspire the turn.
In spite of that impact, the Portuguese star will be Looking from the tribun at San Siro on Friday night, as manager Sergio Concepticao Prepares for a challenging double head against Bologna. The two pages will meet again next week in Italian cup finalBut first comes a league -showdown with European consequences.
Bologna, fresh A 1-1-O-felded with Juventus and a new 1-0 victory over Interhave proven that they can be over their weight. Milan, under Conceicao, knows that less than full focus can prove to be costly. Which raises the question: Why is their most dynamic attacker missing?
Why is Leao not in the squad to meet Bologna?
The answer lies in the closing steps in the Genoa match. With just eight -minute remaining regulation timeLeao received a yellow card – his his Fifth Booking in Serie A this season. It triggered an automatic suspension with a match and excludes him from the league collision against Bologna.
It is a frustrating twist for the San Siro giant, especially considering how important the 25-year-old has been in tight matches. But there is a silver lining. With Coppa italia final against the same opponent as troubleLeao’s enforced rest now becomes strategic – he will be Fresh and fully accessible for the final in Rome on May 14.
“Rafa is not there. The other stars on the pitch,” wrote Corriere Dello SportThe Select the mixture of necessity and intention in Conceicao’s decision -making. In spite of Leao’s absence, Milan will still set a strong lineup, including Maignan, Theo Hernandez, Reijnders and Pulisic.
Joao Felix gets his chance but Gimenez bench
Leao’s suspension opens the door for Joao Felixstarting on the left side of Milan’s front three. The Portuguese attacker, who has fought for consistent minutes, now has a chance to prove its value at a significant stage.
Felix will set up along with Pulisian and Jovic woundform a restructured but talented attacking trio. In the midfield, Ruben Loftus-Kind expected to return to its more natural central role, especially after Youssouf Fofana’s injury Forced adjustments in the victory over Genoa.
