Former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi is ‘even more angry’ with Rafael Leao after the Portuguese’s ‘exceptional’ display against Inter in the Supercoppa Final.
The Portuguese returned from an injury and was a game-changer in Milan’s 3-2 win over Inter in the Supercoppa Final.
The Rossoneri recovered from two goals down after the Portuguese was introduced as a substitute in the second half, and Leao provided the assist for Tammy Abraham’s late winner.
Sacchi admitted that Milan deserved to beat their city rivals: “It was an even game, but the Rossoneri put in that bit of extra wickedness,” the former Italian coach told 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.
“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 had no doubts 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 scored six goals and provided seven assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this season.
The Portuguese star praised new Milan coach Sergio Conceiçao upon returning to Italy with the Supercoppa trophy on Tuesday morning.
Milan’s next game is against Cagliari at San Siro on January 11.
