Sky Sport Italia experts insist Rafael Leao cannot be a starter in Milan, and Giancarlo Marocchi believes that his teammates should help him on the pitch: “When I saw Del Piero in defense…”

Leao started three consecutive games Serie A matches on the bench and it’s no secret that his relationship with coach Paulo Fonseca is not ideal.

“I don’t think he can’t be a Milan reserve,” former Lazio goalkeeper Luca Marchegiani said on Sky Sport Italia’s post-match show on Sunday.

“He may stay out in some games because he is not fit or you want to report. It must be said that a year and a half ago he was treated as if he were the best player in Milan’s history, but he cannot be a reserve because he is stronger than the others.

Ex-Juventus midfielder reveals advice Leao needs from Milan teammates: ‘Get out of here’

“You can’t hope to change his attitude.”

Former Inter defender Beppe Bergomi, winner of the 1982 Italian World Cup, believes Leao should actually start against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

“We are not all the same. I had a coach who said: “You are all the same, except for one, (Brazilian) Ronaldo”.

“Leao is an exciting player,” Bergomi continued.

“I understand that he is not always consistent, but as a defender I will be more worried about man-mark Leao than Okafor, with all due respect. If I was in Milan, I would support this boy.

Former Juventus midfielder Marocchi added: “Leao’s teammates should support him because there are things that directors can’t do, like going into the dressing room and trying to manage him.

“Theo and a midfielder should tell Leao not to worry about tracking the opposition full-back and staying free up front. Ask Del Piero; when I saw him in defense, I told him: ‘Get out of here!’ »

One of the possible reasons why Leao has been frequently dropped by Fonseca over the past month is the winger’s reluctance to help the team defensively. Leao is Milan’s highest paid player.

The Portuguese ace was named Serie A’s best player in 2021-22, when the Rossoneri won the title under Stefano Pioli.

Milan occupies 7th place in the Serie A table after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Monza. The Diavoli have 17 points and a game in hand.