Skip to content
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 07: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates with teammate Christian Pulisic after scoring the team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League match between AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 07, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It’s reported Rafael Leao continued his tantrum in the dressing room after Milan’s defeat to Lazio, aiming his ire at Christian Pulisic, forcing coach Max Allegri to intervene.
The Portugal international did nothing to hide his irritation when hauled off as a substitute at the 67th minute of this 1-0 loss at the Stadio Olimpico last night.
He walked so slowly off the field that goalkeeper Mike Maignan ran halfway up the pitch to physically push him off, then resisted Allegri’s attempt at a reassuring hug.
The coach said in post-match comments that Leao was “a bit annoyed because he had some situations where he could’ve had better service, so he was a bit angry, but these things can happen during a match.”
Claim Leao vented frustration with Pulisic
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Leao was specifically furious with Pulisic, who he accused of not passing him the ball in two potentially dangerous attacking situations.
More importantly, it’s reported that the anger continued well after the final whistle in the dressing room, to the degree that Allegri had to separate the pair and tell them to calm down.
It is safe to say that this strike partnership isn’t delivering the goods for Milan, because Pulisic has not scored a single goal in 2026.
This may well also have contributed to the USMNT star’s resistance to passing the ball, as he wanted to break his drought.
The pairing also hasn’t had many opportunities to work from the start, as one or the other tended to be out injured.
Leao and Pulisic have only started together seven times in Serie A this season, during which Milan scored just two goals.
When Leao found the net against Cremonese, it was after Pulisic had already been substituted.
