Allegri: ‘Leao is extraordinary’ as a centre-forward for Milan | OneFootball

Max Allegri was full of praise for Rafael Leao after a goal and assist in the 4-2 friendly win over Liverpool. ‘He has extraordinary qualities and is only getting stronger’ as a centre-forward.

The Rossoneri had lost 1-0 to Arsenal in their previous pre-season test, then winning a penalty shoot-out, but looked far more impressive today in Hong Kong against the reigning Premier League title holders.

It was a very Allegri-style performance, clinical focus on the counter-attack using the characteristics of his strikers, who all have a lot of pace and like running at opponents.

Allegri experimenting with new Leao role

HONG KONG, CHINA – JULY 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan (C) and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool (R) fight for the ball during the Liverpool FC v AC Milan Pre-Season Friendly match at Kai Tak Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Once again, Portuguese winger Leao was used as a centre-forward and it might not just be for pre-season.

“Leao did very well as a centre-forward, just as the whole team is working well this summer,” said Allegri in a press conference.

“The best and most important thing I am happy to see is that in these first 20 days of work the team has a positive attitude. They really raised the level of being able to suffer and this means that when we have the ball, we try to play it, but when we don’t then everyone defends together as a team very well.”

HONG KONG, CHINA – JULY 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan (L4, #10) celebrates after scoring his goal with teammates during the Liverpool FC v AC Milan Pre-Season Friendly match at Kai Tak Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

While Milan are in search of a new striker on the market, above all linked with Juventus outcast Dusan Vlahovic, Leao seems to be flourishing under the new coach.

“Leao is a great player, he has extraordinary qualities, and is only getting stronger. I think he is of the right age to mature and have an important season,” concluded Allegri.

Although he scored twice today, Noah Okafor is still on the transfer market for Milan and expected to leave this summer.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was the other player on the scoresheet.