Sun Mar 30 17:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Leao Benched Again: Milan Star Set for 10th Start From Bench Against Napoli

**MILAN, ITALY** – AC Milan star Rafael Leao is reportedly set to begin Sunday’s crucial Serie A match against Napoli on the bench, marking his tenth such occasion this season. Multiple Italian media outlets, including Sky and La Gazzetta dello Sport, report that manager Sergio Conceicao will favor Joao Felix in the starting lineup.

Conceicao’s preferred formation, as seen in Milan’s final training session, features a midfield trio of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Warren Bondo, and Tijjani Reijnders, supported by attackers Joao Felix and Christian Pulisic flanking Tammy Abraham. This lineup would represent the tenth time this season, excluding injury absences, that Leao has started a match from the bench.

The situation creates a peculiar statistical anomaly for Leao. Despite his impressive tally of 10 goals and 9 assists, he has only made 9 starts this season. This unusual combination of prolific output from the bench highlights a strategic decision by the manager that continues to spark debate amongst fans and pundits alike. The match against Napoli, currently challenging for the Serie A title, promises to be a significant test for Milan’s unconventional approach.

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