Rome, Oct 20: Rafael Leão must have been inspired seeing Stefano Pioli back at the San Siro.
The Portugal winger scored twice in his first start of the Serie A season following an injury layoff and under-strength AC Milan came from a goal down to beat Pioli’s Fiorentina 2-1 and move back atop the Italian league Sunday.
Leão was the Serie A player of the season when Milan won the Italian title under Pioli in 2021-22 but hasn’t performed anywhere near that level since then.
But with Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot and Christopher Nkunku all out injured, Milan needed Leão to step up.
After Robin Gosens put Fiorentina ahead from close range shortly before the hour mark, Leão quickly equalized with a long, low shot. Then he stepped up to the penalty spot for the first time in his Milan career and converted from the spot following a foul on Santiago Gimenez.
“This is the Rafa that we need. He is an amazing talent,” said Luka Modric, who joined Milan in July after 13 seasons at Real Madrid.
“For me, he’s one of the best players in the world. And he can still improve.” Milan moved one point ahead of Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma.It’s been quite a turnaround for Milan under returning coach Massimiliano Allegri after an eighth-place finish last season left the seven-time European champion out of continental competition.
Fiorentina remained winless, piling pressure on Pioli. Atalanta and Lazio also drew 0-0. (AP)
