Di Canio: Leao’s priority is ‘something’ other than football

Di Canio: Leao’s priority is ‘something’ other than football

Paolo Di Canio argues that Rafael Leao’s movements are not suited to a centre-forward and insists the Portuguese star’s priority ‘has almost become something else.’

Leao has attracted criticism from Milan fans who loudly booed him when he was subbed off during a 3-0 home loss to Udinese on Saturday.

Leao has been mostly deployed as a centre-forward this season, including in the last match when Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri switched to a 4-3-3 system from 3-5-2.

Sky Sport examined Leao’s issues this season, with ex-Rossoneri striker Di Canio still very critical of the Portuguese.

Di Canio argued that Leao plays as a centre-forward because if he played on the wings, Milan would be even more vulnerable in defence.

Di Canio: Leao’s ‘physical and mental energy gets drained’

“We are talking about a player who should make 50 movements to receive the ball, but doesn’t even make half unless he’s certain he’ll receive it,” Di Canio added.

Paolo Di Canio

“He didn’t even make a movement to open the space for his teammates, because he wasn’t sure he’d receive the pass.

“Any striker, in any league, must work so hard. It’s difficult even for natural centre-forwards; imagine for a player who seems lazy almost every time he doesn’t have the ball.”

Leao was named the best Serie A player in 2021-22 when the massively contributed to Milan’s Serie A title victory, but the 26-year-old hasn’t developed much since.

“He relaxed; he’s been cuddled, and he hasn’t had the determination or desire to keep improving,” continued Di Canio.

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“The priority has almost become something else. Over the years, I don’t remember seeing so many fashion show videos or eight-hour recording sessions with record labels. You always say we should look at the players’ private lives, but if someone spends four or five hours doing other things, their physical and mental energy gets drained.

“It’s not like playing PlayStation for half an hour. If you’re spending six or seven hours with a record label and going to fashion shows, how are you supposed to regenerate the mental energy to play at this level?”

MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Rafael Leao of AC Milan shoots and misses a chance on goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport has suggested that Leao and Milan should part ways at the end of the season, but Inter legend Beppe Bergomi is confident that the Portuguese can regain the fans’ trust.

“He can easily recover. I experienced even more difficult years; other players, too,” said the ex-defender.