Christopher Nkunku equalised from the penalty spot simply earlier than half-time throughout Milan’s Serie A match towards Como on Thursday evening, however Rafael Leao was left barely stunned that Massimiliano Allegri didn’t need him to take the kick.
Why did Nkunku take Milan’s penalty as a substitute of Leao?
Milan fell 1-0 behind to a Marc-Oliver Kempf header within the first half of their Serie A match towards Como on Thursday night, and equalised just a few moments earlier than half-time after Adrien Rabiot was clipped within the space.
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COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan celebrates along with his team-mates after scoring their crew’s first goal1 from the penalty spot throughout the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
Whereas the Como gamers protested the choice to award a penalty, Rafael Leao was stood over the spot, clearly anticipating to take it as one in every of Milan’s common set-piece takers.
Allegri, nonetheless, determined that as a substitute. The coach’s choice was communicated to Leao by way of his teammates.
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri appears to be like on throughout the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
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The Portugal worldwide was joined on the spot by Nkunku, after which by a number of others, together with Matteo Gabbia and Youssouf Fofana, who appeared to inform Leao to let Nkunku take the penalty.
A barely confused Leao was seen attempting to speak with the technical space, pointing to himself and making a confused gesture, earlier than stepping away and letting Nkunku take the spot kick.
The Frenchman wanted a stroke of fortune from his set-piece, which crept into the web regardless of a powerful hand from Como stopper Jean Butez.
This was Nkunku’s fourth objective of the Serie A season. All 4 of these strikes have are available in his final three outings.
Christopher Nkunku will get Milan degree from the spot towards Como 🎯