Milan striker Rafael Leao isn’t fully fit for Friday’s Serie A clash against Empoli, so he starts on the bench days before the Rossoneri’s Champions League clash against Napoli.
The Portuguese striker inspired Milan’s 4-0 win against the Partenopei last week, but initially starts on the bench against Empoli tonight.
Sky Sport Italia reported on Thursday that Leao needed rest not being fully fit for the home fixture against the Tuscans. Therefore, Ante Rebic gets the nod on the left wing.
Leao has 11 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions this season, 10 in 26 Serie A games, just one below his personal record for goals in a single campaign in Italy’s top flight.
The 23-year-old ended an eight-game goalless streak in Serie A on Sunday, scoring a brace in Milan’s 4-0 win over Napoli at the Stadio Maradona.
Leao rests against Empoli also to get in shape for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals against the Partenopei at San Siro on April 12.