"Massimiliano Allegri has taken on the role of psychologist as well as head coach, to try and get the best out of Rafael Leao. As La Gazzetta dello Sport recall, Allegri's last glance towards the pitch before the penalty which ended up being the winning goal against Fiorentina on Sunday night was to give Leao permission to take it. Then, he turned away from the field, preferring not to watch presumably out of nerves."
"While Allegri's back was turned out of superstition, Youssouf Fofana maintained order - guarding the spot and the ball - waiting for Leao (the chosen one) to arrive so he could hand him the ball. The result: Leao scored the first non-shootout penalty of his senior career. Despite the 30 penalties already taken by Modric (24 goals) and the 15 scored by Santiago Gimenez (out of 20 attempts), the two were happy for the Portuguese to take it. Thankfully, he did not let his team down. Allegri's work While it may seem logical to some that a forward of Leao's quality should be a leading candidate to take penalties, the aforementioned shows that until now he hasn't been trusted. Yet, Allegri did well at reading the game and the moment."
Allegri combined tactical coaching with psychological management to empower Rafael Leao and granted him permission to take the decisive penalty, then turned away. Youssouf Fofana maintained order at the spot while Leao arrived and converted his first non-shootout senior penalty. Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez, despite greater penalty experience, were content for Leao to take it. Leao struggled in the first half but ignited after Fiorentina's goal, scoring an equaliser from 25 yards. Leao faces a media narrative of inconsistency, and midfield departures of Franck Kessie and Sandro Tonali removed balance, exposing the team on transitions.
Read at SempreMilan
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