Rafael Leao: ‘Allegri knows how to help me’

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 2:26 PM ET

Rafael Leao says Milan want to have a ‘strong start’ in an away game at Parma and thanks Massimiliano Allegri for his help ‘on and off the pitch.’

Milan visit Parma in Serie A Week 11 this evening. It kicks off at the Stadio Tardini at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

Rafael Leao’s interview before Parma vs. Milan

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Rafael Leao of AC Milan warms up prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 02, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It’s an important game for us, he we have the chance to win and get some points,” Leao told Sky Sport via Milannews.

“We want to start strong and score early because it’s never easy to play here.”

The Rossoneri have stepped up their ambitions this season after last week’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Roma, where Mike Maignan saved a Paulo Dybala penalty.

“I always try to help the team. I’m working a lot with the coach. He’s helping me, and I must thank him. He knows how to help me on and off the pitch,” continued Leao.

Leao: ‘Allegri knows how to manage young players’

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 17: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and SSC Bari at Stadio San Siro on August 17, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We talk a lot, about football and life in general. He has experience and knows how to handle us young players well. He’s such an important figure.”

That victory over Roma put Milan joint second with Inter and Roma, one point off leaders Napoli, so this is a promising opportunity for them to target the top spot.

Christian Pulisic is back on the bench after injury, along with Fikayo Tomori and Ardon Jashari, while Santiago Gimenez and Adrien Rabiot did not make the trip to Parma.

Pervis Estupinan returns to the starting XI for the first time since September 28.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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