At the time of the substitution with Nkunku, a large part of the stadium showed disapproval of the Portuguese’s performance. Which, however, received support by passing under the first orange, blue and red ring
It is well known that Rafa Leao has always been a divisive character in the Rossoneri galaxy. The Milan fans have never had half measures with him, especially in the last few years: either they defend him to the hilt, or they would accompany him to Milanello to empty his locker. This Milan-Juve provided a perfect postcard of the two popular souls who, when the Portuguese is involved, see it in diametrically opposite ways. It happens in the 36th minute of the second half, and subsequent turns of the clock, when Allegri decides that Rafa’s match is over. Nkunku is ready to enter and when the fourth official raises the electronic scoreboard containing the number 10, with the speaker announcing Leao’s exit, part of the San Siro whistles. Let’s say a good part too. Nothing comparable to the match against Udinese, mind you. There there had been a crucifixion, here a dissent that was certainly audible but which then died out within a few seconds. However, it should be recorded, for the record.
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However, the news also requires us to tell what happened immediately afterwards. Because Leao, to speed up operations, left on the side opposite the benches and therefore found himself walking beyond the sideline for almost half a lap of the pitch. And here the other soul of the Meazza came out, perhaps also in reaction to the whistles: as he passed he received rather widespread applause from the first orange ring, the first blue and the first red. For his part, no reaction: neither to the whistles, nor to the applause. Then, when he arrived near Allegri, the coach approached him and gave him a high five. Ordinary administration, an exit from the scene like many others of many others, certainly not with joy in the heart.
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Also because, once again, Rafa struggled, as in the previous weeks – months – overwhelmed by a blatantly deficient athletic condition due to groin pain. But on the other hand, those who whistle him have essentially never done so for a wrong play or goal. Basically, it happens because of attitude. Something that this time cannot be attributed to him. As far as he is able to give in these conditions, his was an honest and willing match. After eight minutes he caught a foul from Locatelli, a minute later he attempted an overly pretentious dribble on Conceiçao, who stole the ball from him. At the end of the first round he invented a great cue for Bartesaghi, who however didn’t understand it. But he did the best thing in the second half, when he perfectly finished Rabiot’s counterattack by placing Saelemaekers in front of Di Gregorio. The ball, however, hits the crossbar. Rafa still has four games left to try to leave one last mark in a complicated season: he has nine goals in the league, reaching double figures would give some satisfaction and put him in a good mood ahead of the World Cup.
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