AC Milan opened the 2025-26 season with a Coppa Italia matchup against Bari, just days before the Serie A kickoff. But the Rossoneri were hit with early bad news as star forward Rafael Leao was forced off the field shortly after scoring the opening goal.
Drawn against Bari in the Coppa Italia first round, Milan started strong. In the 14th minute, Fikayo Tomori whipped in a cross from the right, and Leao rose above the defense to head home, putting the hosts ahead and sending the packed San Siro crowd into celebration.
Moments later, though, trouble struck. After the goal and celebrations, Leao appeared in discomfort. He kicked the ball out of play and dropped to the turf, pointing to his right calf as the medical staff rushed on to evaluate him.
Following several minutes of treatment and a brief discussion with the staff, Leao signaled that he could not continue. He walked off under his own power in the 17th minute and was replaced by Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez.
With Christian Pulisic and Gimenez leading the line in Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2 system, it was the USMNT star who sealed the win, doubling Milan’s advantage in the 48th minute for a 2-0 final. Cameras later showed Leao on the sideline walking with a slight limp, though he appeared relatively optimistic about the injury’s severity.
After the match, Allegri’s assistant Marco Landucci addressed the situation, stressing the club would wait for medical exams. “I can’t tell you, he left the pitch because of this issue. We didn’t want to take any more risks. We’ll see the results of the medical tests in the next few days,” he told reporters.
Milan facing limited options in attack for Serie A opener
Leao has recently been deployed as one of Milan’s two strikers alongside Pulisic, giving Allegri a dynamic attacking duo. With the Portuguese star now sidelined, however, options are suddenly limited ahead of Saturday’s Serie A opener against Cremonese.
Gimenez appears the likeliest candidate to step into the starting lineup, while Noah Okafor and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could also fill in, though neither is a natural striker. With the transfer window still open, Allegri and Milan may need to explore reinforcements if Leao’s injury keeps him out for an extended spell.