Rade Krunic admits Rafael Leao is not someone Milan can easily replace and he was missed against Napoli, but the performance shows ‘we can do it without him.’
The Rossoneri had been unbeaten in 22 Serie A rounds, ever since January 2022 and the controversial loss to Spezia.
They had fought back with Olivier Giroud, but capitulated to a Matteo Politano penalty and Giovanni Simeone glancing header.
“It wasn’t easy against such a strong opponent, but we also cannot be happy just with a strong performance and being unlucky hitting the woodwork twice,” Krunic told Sky Sport Italia and DAZN.
“We controlled the ball well and created the opportunities, but could’ve done more with those chances.”
Rafael Leao was sorely missed due to suspension, as Alexis Saelemaekers stepped in on the left, with Charles De Ketelaere central and Krunic on the right.
“We are accustomed to playing with Leao, who has these very specific characteristics, but we still played well today as a team and proved we can do it without him.
“My ideal role is in a three-man midfield, but that doesn’t exist in this Milan. Obviously, the coach did not ask us to do what Leao usually does, as we have different qualities.
“Napoli made the most of their two chances, and they didn’t really have many more than that. This defeat hurts, especially right before a two-week break for international duty.”
Napoli and Atalanta are now joint Serie A leaders on 17 points, followed by Udinese on 16, Milan and Lazio 14, Roma 13 and Inter 12.
“It’s a tough Scudetto race and all the teams have reinforced, but we will try to be up there fighting to the end.”