Sky Sport Italia pundits insist Rafael Leao can’t be a Milan benchwarmer, and Giancarlo Marocchi feels his teammates should help him on the pitch: ‘When I saw Del Piero in defence…’
Leao has started three consecutive Serie A games on the bench and it’s no secret that his relationship with coach Paulo Fonseca is not ideal.
“I don’t think he can’t be a Milan reserve,” ex-Lazio keeper Luca Marchegiani said during Sky Sport Italia’s post-match show on Sunday.
“He may remain out in some games because he’s not fit or you want to signal. It must be said that a year and a half ago, he was treated as if he was the best player in Milan’s history, but he can’t be a reserve because he’s stronger than the others.
Ex-Juventus midfielder reveals advice Leao needs from Milan teammates: ‘Go away from here’
“You can’t expect to change his attitude.”
Ex-Inter defender Beppe Bergomi, a 1982 Italy World Cup winner, feels Leao should indeed be a starter against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“We are not all the same. I had a coach who used to say: ‘You are all the same, except one, [the Brazilian] Ronaldo.’
“Leao is an exciting player,” continued Bergomi.
“I understand he’s not always consistent, but as a defender, I’ll be more worried about man-mark Leao than Okafor, with all the respect due. If I were at Milan, I would support this lad.”
Ex-Juventus midfielder Marocchi added: “Leao’s teammates should support him because there are things that directors can’t do, like go inside the dressing room and try to manage it.
“Theo and a holding midfielder should tell Leao not to worry about following the opposing full-back and stay free up front. Ask Del Piero; when I saw him in defence, I used to say to him: ‘Go away from here!'”
One possible reason Leao has been dropped frequently by Fonseca in the last month is the winger’s reluctance to help the team defensively. Leao is Milan’s highest-paid player.
The Portuguese ace was named the best Serie A player in 2021-22, when the Rossoneri won the title under Stefano Pioli.
Milan sit 7th in the Serie A table after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Monza. The Diavoli have 17 points and a game in hand.