RAFAEL Leao became the hero of AC Milan’s victory when they visited Cagliari headquarters. Even though they appeared shaky in the first half, the Rossoneri managed to recover after the break and sealed the win through Leao’s single goal which used Adrien Rabiot’s pass.
This match became an experimental stage for the AC Milan coach who carried out a large-scale rotation. Due to the storm of injuries that befell Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Gimenez, as well as the condition of Christian Pulisic who is not yet 100% fit, young player Davide Bartesaghi was forced to be installed in a new position as a center back in a three-back formation.
Kudos to Davide Bartesaghi
After the match, Rafael Leao gave high appreciation to Bartesaghi. According to him, the young player showed mental maturity even though he had to play in an unusual position for him.
“This is a team performance, we prepared very well and we know it is more about mentality than technique,” Leao told Sky Sport Italia.
“Davide Bartesaghi plays in a new position as center back, but with the right mentality, you can do anything. He gave a great performance, he can do big things at Milan. If we all stay focused, everything will be easier,” he added.
Leao also added that Bartesaghi is a young player who is smart and hardworking. “Davide knows what I think, he is very intelligent, trains hard and is starting to become an important player for this team even though he is still young. I feel he will achieve big things,” he continued.
The Challenge of Becoming the Spearhead
Placed closer to the opponent’s goal, Leao admitted that he was still in the adaptation process to hone his goal-scoring instincts as a center forward.
“Nic (Fullkrug) also came in very well, even though he had just arrived. The team is in a period of good form and we are happy. I feel that if I have two or three chances to score, I have to score two goals. The coach put me closer to the goal, I need to feel the goal more, and also thank the team for putting me in a condition to score goals,” said the player from Portugal.
Meanwhile, Davide Bartesaghi, who filled the void in the back line, admitted that he was ready to give everything for the coach’s trust. “I proved it on the pitch. I am happy to have the trust of the coach and the team. When they ask something from me, I try to give 100 percent,” stressed Bartesaghi.
This victory confirmed Milan’s position at the top of Serie A. When asked about the Scudetto target, Leao remained grounded. “We have a goal, but there is still a long way to go. The whole team knows what the target of this club is, we are Milan and we have to try to win important trophies,” he concluded. (Football-Italy/Z-2)
