Leao Booed By Milan Fans, Allegri Says He Will Respond To Pressure Against Verona

AC Milan aim to stop a poor run in Serie A when visiting Hellas Verona at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, with Massimiliano Allegri backing Rafael Leao and the attack to respond. Milan lost 3-0 to Udinese and have suffered two straight league defeats without scoring, while Verona are stuck in the relegation zone with six matches left.

Allegri underlined how much is at stake for Milan in the title race and for Verona in survival. "It’s an important match because we need to get back to winning against a team that plays on the counterattack and is still very much alive," added Allegri. "It will take a team performance. There are six matches left, and tomorrow is an important game for our objective. We simply need to play football calmly, with great

unity and order. "

Milan’s problems against Udinese concerned more than missed chances, with Allegri critical of the structure without the ball. "The team will need to go back to approaching matches in order. Against Udinese, we weren’t properly set up defensively for even a minute. We were too disorganised. " Milan have not lost three consecutive Serie A games without scoring since April 1967.

Verona enter this Serie A meeting after four successive league defeats, their worst streak since five losses under Marco Baroni between October and November 2023. They sit in the relegation places yet remain competitive, especially on the counterattack. Their situation increases the pressure on this encounter, as a win could transform their final weeks, while another defeat deepens trouble.

The focus again falls on Rafael Leao, who is enduring a difficult spell in Serie A. Leao has gone four games without a goal, with nine strikes in 24 league appearances this season. This campaign also brings Leao’s lowest average for successful take-ons per game at 0.9 and his lowest take-on success rate, at 40.4%, showing a clear drop in one-on-one impact.

Allegri suggested the frustration from San Siro could help Leao reset before facing Hellas Verona. During the 3-0 loss to Udinese, home supporters loudly jeered Leao when substituted. Allegri took a positive view, saying: "Those boos were probably useful for Leao. He understood that in life, things don’t always go well," Allegri said. "He’ll react well. He’s had a good week of training, like everyone. I’m convinced the forwards will start scoring again. "

Christian Pulisic also carries attention for Milan in Serie A, especially after a long barren run. Pulisic last scored in the league against Hellas Verona at San Siro on 28th December 2025. Since that match, Pulisic has played 14 consecutive Serie A fixtures without a goal, the longest drought of Pulisic’s spell in Italy and the longest overall since 16 games with Chelsea between October 2022 and May 2023.

On the Hellas Verona side, Gift Orban is the main attacking reference in Serie A. Orban leads Verona’s league scoring chart this season with seven goals and has added two assists. However, Verona struggle late in matches. They have only one goal in the final 15 minutes of Serie A games, Orban’s strike against Fiorentina on 14th December, and have conceded 18 times from the 76th minute onwards.

Historic numbers highlight why many expect an AC Milan victory in this Serie A fixture, despite current difficulties. Milan have won the last 10 league meetings with Verona, by an overall score of 22-6. Against one opponent, Milan have enjoyed a longer winning league sequence only versus Chievo, with 13 straight victories. Milan have also won six consecutive Serie A away games at the Bentegodi against Verona, keeping three clean sheets, after recording just two wins across the previous eight visits.

OPTA data further support Milan’s strong position for this Serie A clash with Hellas Verona, though no outcome is guaranteed. Recent form, head-to-head results and league positions shape the projections. The win probabilities for this match are presented below in , providing a clear numerical overview of expectations.

Verona’s late-game issues, Milan’s superior record in this fixture and Allegri’s belief in a reaction from key forwards frame the contest. OPTA’s model gives Hellas Verona an 18.2% chance of victory, a draw at 23.5% and AC Milan at 58.3%. Allegri’s squad therefore arrive as clear favourites yet remain under pressure to respond with organisation, goals and a crucial three points.

Massimiliano Allegri previews our away trip to VeronaAC Milan (@acmilan) April 18, 2026