Sacchi ‘even More Angry’ With Leao Despite Milan’s Supercoppa Win

Sacchi ‘even more angry’ with Leao despite Milan’s Supercoppa win

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 6, 2025: Rafael Leao of AC Milan celebrates with his winners’ medal after the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi has expressed being ‘even more angry’ with Rafael Leao following the Portuguese winger’s ‘exceptional’ performance in the Supercoppa Final against Inter.

Leao, returning from injury, was instrumental in Milan’s remarkable 3-2 comeback victory over Inter. After being brought on as a second-half substitute, Leao helped spark the turnaround, providing the assist for Tammy Abraham’s decisive late goal.

Sacchi acknowledged Milan’s deserved victory, stating: “It was an even game, but the Rossoneri put in that bit of extra wickedness,” in an interview with Gazzetta.

“First thing, it was such a nice game, played with the intensity of a Premier League match. A great advertisement for Italian football,” continued Sacchi.

Sacchi Expresses Increased Frustration with Leao Despite Milan’s Supercoppa Victory

FERRARA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Arrigo Sacchi, former coach of the Italian national team, attends the Serie A match between Spal and SSC Napoli at Stadio Paolo Mazza on September 23, 2017, in Ferrara, Italy. (Photo by Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images)

“The second thing is that Milan are alive, and they proved it against Inter and Juventus. Third thing: Conceiçao is a great coach. Fourth thing: with their quality, Inter should be able to handle the game better when they lead 2-0.”

The 78-year-old was unequivocal about the turning point in Riyadh.

“[It was] Leao’s introduction,” he admitted.

“The Portuguese did excellent things and changed the game. Honestly, seeing him like this makes me even more angry. He has incredible physical and technical qualities, but he’s not always able to fulfil his potential. I wish him to have the consistency he necessarily needs to reach the highest levels.”

“Perhaps the temperament doesn’t help him, but he has exceptional qualities; nobody can stop him when he runs with the ball at his feet.”

Leao has netted six goals and registered seven assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this season.

Upon returning to Italy with the Supercoppa trophy on Tuesday morning, the Portuguese star expressed his admiration for new Milan coach Sergio Conceiçao.

Milan’s next match is against Cagliari at San Siro on January 11.

Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for 24kbet, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.