Rafael Leao could only watch on in horror as Milan suffered a painful 4-0 loss to Lazio, disappointing the Italian press with his failure to make an impact.
The Rossoneri slumped to a miserable defeat at the Stadio Olimpico, a result that could prove disastrous in their title race with Napoli. Stefano Pioli’s side sit 12 points behind the league leaders after 19 games, putting extra pressure on the team in the coming weeks and months.
Leao has been the talismanic figure for Milan this season, despite the endless noise surrounding his contract situation at the club, but even he was unable to make a difference against Lazio, taking just three shots and completing only seven passes.
La Gazzetta dello Sport referenced Leao’s talismanic status when reviewing his performance, commenting: “The best are the guiltiest if it goes like this. He had two one-on-ones, he handled them badly. And the body language was bad.”
Corriere dello Sport were equally unimpressed with the Portugese star, underlining his limited impact against the Biancocelesti, saying: “In the Milan that’s no longer there, above all, there’s no more Leao. No hunger, no strength to seize the moment. Empty tank. A couple of crosses without satisfaction, and a shot and a half in the second half, when he tried to burst through on goal.”
Tuttosport were a little more forgiving to Leao, highlighting his hard work and desire to try and overcome the odds, suggesting: “Among the least bad in the first half, at least he put in the effort. He had the chance to reopen the match on the invitation of De Ketelaere, he raised the measure.”
Corriere della Sera echoed the sentiments of their Turin counterparts, noting his isolation on the pitch, saying: “He tried with some passes, but he was isolated. And in the end also disconsolate.”
Leao’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 4
Corriere dello Sport: 4.5
Tuttosport: 5
Corriere della Sera: 5