Rafael Leao made the difference for Milan in their key 3-1 win over Hellas Verona, an important victory as Stefano Pioli managed to avoid falling to the Fatal Verona curse.
The Rossoneri picked up a commanding win at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi yesterday to keep up the momentum in their quest for the Scudetto. It was a much needed win following Inter’s 4-2 comeback against Empoli on Friday. A brace from Sandro Tonali and a late addition by Alessandro Florenzi secured the victory for the Milanese club.
Leao was one of the most praised players following the victory, with La Gazzetta dello Sport feeling that he “invented the first goal” and “gifted Tonali the second”. Corriere dello Sport agreed, adding that he “cooked up the second goal in his own way.”
Tuttosport lauded even more praise on the Portuguese forward, calling him “Devastating. His two assists are two half-goals.”Corriere della Sera looked to animation for inspiration as they worked to describe his performance, suggesting that “he looks liked Road Runner, and there’s no Wile E. Coyote to follow him.”
Pioli also received praise and La Gazzetta dello Sport underlined how “He didn’t join the club of the greats to whom Verona has been fatal, but he certainly doesn’t regret it. The choice of 4-1-4-1 with Tonali so high was a nice one. Unprecedented.” Tuttosport was also impressed with Pioli’s work, noting that “he took risks and got them all right.”
Leao’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 8
Corriere dello Sport: 7.5
Tuttosport: 9
Corriere della Sera: 8
Pioli’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 8
Corriere dello Sport: 7
Tuttosport: 8
Corriere della Sera: 8
