MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal from a penalty during the Serie A match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 19, 2025. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Rafael Leao expressed that the “team rose to the occasion” after he helped AC Milan secure a comeback against Fiorentina, but teammate Luka Modric emphasized that Leao is already among the world’s elite and has the potential to improve even further.
After a calf strain sidelined him since early August, this was the Portugal international’s first Serie A start of the season, taking on a new role as a centre-forward.
Despite Robin Gosens initially putting Fiorentina ahead at San Siro, Leao equalized with a powerful strike from distance before converting the game-deciding penalty following a VAR review for a foul on Santiago Gimenez by Fabiano Parisi.
Notably, this was the first penalty Leao had ever taken while wearing the Milan jersey, despite a less-than-stellar penalty record in the past.
Leao Steps Up for AC Milan
“We anticipated that this match would be challenging, even though Fiorentina has not been performing well lately, as they possess quality players like Moise Kean who can be a threat,” Leao told DAZN Italia.
“We operated as a unit; it was tough, and we didn’t have many opportunities, but once we broke the deadlock, the team really shone.”
Leao also shared a touching moment with Modric when the Croatian midfielder arrived at Milanello and offered him encouragement. “Playing alongside him is fantastic, and I look forward to receiving many assists from him!” he added.
During the penalty celebration, Leao amusingly attempted to remove his shirt, only to be stopped by Matteo Gabbia, who saved him from receiving a yellow card.
“I dedicate this goal to my family and my teammates who have kept my spirits high in the locker room. We must continue working together, both collectively and individually, as we are capable of achieving great things this season,” Leao stated.
This victory propelled Milan to the top of the Serie A standings with 16 points, capitalizing on losses for Napoli, Roma, and Juventus over the weekend.
This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the injury crisis afflicting the team, including the absence of Adrien Rabiot, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christopher Nkunku, Pervis Estupinan, and Ardon Jashari.
“Rafa is incredible. I was eager to play with him; although he got injured early on, he is now recovering his form. This is the Rafael we need,” Modric remarked to DAZN Italia.
“He is a remarkable talent, and having observed him from afar and now training alongside him, I can see he is among the world’s best. What’s amazing is that he still has the potential to improve. I hope these two goals help boost his confidence, as he is crucial to our success.”
Milan is now leading the table for the first time since Week 8 of the 2023-24 season.
“We need to take it one game at a time. We are developing, demonstrating character and quality, and we must maintain this momentum. The journey is long, but we are heading in the right direction, and once some players return from injury, we will be even stronger.”