From the match between Lazio and Milan, which generated enormous controversy surrounding Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao due to the incident of the missed cooling break with the team, just over a week has passed. The truth, however, is that the “case” involving Milan’s left side has been talked about so much that it feels like a month has passed. In four days, though, Milan will be back on the field, and Fonseca will set everything aside for a fresh start.
Four days before Milan’s return to the field, scheduled for Saturday at 8:45 PM against Venezia at San Siro, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports this morning that both Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao will regain their starting positions. Too much has been said about the cooling break, and both the players (Theo) and the club (Fonseca first, then Furlani) have tried to calm the situation in the following days. Now, it’s as if it’s a new beginning, and both of Milan’s top players are ready to return to the field. However, they can’t simply show up—they need to start making an impact.
The French full-back has been benched twice and started once in the first three matches, underperforming in the Parma away game. He also struggled with the national team, performing poorly against Italy and being benched against Belgium. It was only slightly better for the Portuguese player, who started two matches and came off the bench in one (against Lazio) for Milan, recording one assist and one goal. He also started two games for his national team, providing one assist. Both players can and must do more.
In recent years, Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao have rightfully established themselves as key strengths for Milan, forming a left-wing partnership that has terrorized many opposing defenses. Today, they need to regain their form to ensure both Milan’s future prospects, as well as their own, remain bright. For the team, Milan faces Venezia next, followed immediately by back-to-back matches against Liverpool and Inter—two games that cannot be missed. Individually, these two players are playing for their future at Milan.
Leao has always expressed his love for the club, while Theo raised some doubts this summer during his time with the national team. Additionally, for the Frenchman, there is the issue of his contract renewal: his current deal expires in 2026, and no significant progress has been made in that regard. As for the present, the course needs to change starting on Saturday: Rafa and Theo must prove they are worth their high salaries.
