MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Rafael Leao of AC Milan runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Yeferson Paz during the Coppa Italia match between AC Milan and Sassuolo at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on December 03, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Rafael Leao and Fikayo Tomori insist Milan ‘showed what we want to do’ in tonight’s 6-1 demolition of Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia, booking their quarter-final spot.
It was a comfortable night for the Rossoneri, who were already leading 4-0 after 23 minutes at San Siro thanks to a Samuel Chukwueze double, Tijjani Reijnders scorcher and Rafael Leao.
They sealed the 6-1 scoreline after the break with Davide Calabria and Tammy Abraham in on the act too, but Samuele Mulattieri ensured Sassuolo came away with a consolation goal.
“I think everyone came on aggressive and played really well. We have set targets this season and showed what we want to do,” Leao told Sport Mediaset.
When he was substituted at half-time, the Portugal international spent the second half wandering around near the bench, giving instructions and advice to his teammates. Is he relishing more of a leadership role?
“There is a family atmosphere, that is the most important thing, and we try to keep that going on the pitch too. We need to take it one game at a time, today we won and progress in the competition, now we move on to the next and want to go to the top.”
Leao and Tomori confidence growing at Milan
Milan are now through to the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, where they will face either Roma or Sampdoria in 2025.
They have not won this trophy for over 20 years, so is reaching the Final and lifting the Coppa Italia a target for them?
“Of course it is an objective. We are a strong team, we want to win every game whether it’s in the Coppa Italia, Champions League or Serie A,” said Tomori.
“Another of our targets this season is to concede fewer goals. We are defending better as a team, I am not happy that we didn’t keep a clean sheet today, but we are working to improve.
“We showed that we are a strong team and we want to win.”
The next Milan match is on Friday evening in Serie A against Atalanta, a side coming off eight consecutive victories in the competition.
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