Rafael Leao, a forward for AC Milan, expressed the team's ambitions in the Serie A title race, emphasising that dreaming is free. Milan currently leads the league after Leao's crucial goal secured a 1-0 victory over Lazio at San Siro. The match ended with controversy as a penalty for the visitors was overturned by VAR, leading to Milan's coach Massimiliano Allegri receiving a red card due to his frustrations.
Despite these challenges, Milan emerged victorious and now awaits the outcomes of matches involving other title contenders like Napoli and Roma. Inter, sitting in fourth place, is also in action. Reflecting on last season when Milan missed out on European competitions, Leao remains optimistic about their current position. "We've got to keep
this going," he told Sky Sport Italia. "We beat a strong Lazio side who wanted to climb the table, and we're very happy. "
Leao has been instrumental since joining Milan, contributing directly to 101 goals in Serie A since his debut in 2019-20. This achievement places him among elite players like Domenico Berardi, Ciro Immobile, and Lautaro Martinez who have also surpassed 100 goal involvements with their respective teams. Leao added that they aim to maintain their momentum throughout the season.
The forward also highlighted their upcoming Coppa Italia clash against Lazio in four days and expressed confidence in securing another win with support from their passionate fans. He praised Allegri's ability to motivate the team: "Allegri is a winner; he won here before at Milan. " Leao believes that maintaining focus will help them achieve significant victories.
Milan's coach Allegri echoed Leao's sentiments about teamwork and determination. "We've just got to keep working," he stated to Sky Sports Italia via FootballItalia. He stressed the importance of humility and teamwork in regaining possession and playing cohesively as a unit. Allegri noted the enthusiasm within both the squad and fanbase as crucial elements for continued success.
Addressing his late-game dismissal, Allegri explained that it was chaotic during those final moments. He acknowledged the difficulty faced by referees when making decisions under pressure from VAR reviews. Allegri recounted asking why issues arose whenever this particular referee officiated their games, leading to his ejection.
Milan's Ambitions for Success
Leao reiterated that dreaming costs nothing but acknowledged there's still a long journey ahead for Milan this season. The Coppa Italia remains another target alongside their Serie A aspirations. As they continue competing at high levels domestically and potentially abroad next year if successful enough domestically now - optimism abounds among players like Leao who are determined not only individually but collectively too towards achieving greatness together once more soon hopefully!
Milan aims high this season after missing out on Europe last year; however, they remain focused on maintaining form while pursuing titles such as Scudetto or even further glory beyond Italy’s borders should opportunities arise again soon enough perhaps?
