Shevchenko: ‘Rafael Leao is not a striker, must not have wrong attitude’ | OneFootball

Andriy Shevchenko believes ‘anything can happen’ in the Scudetto race for Milan, but warns Rafael Leao ‘is not a striker’ and must not have ‘the wrong attitude.’

The Rossoneri squeezed past Torino 3-2 at the weekend to pile pressure on leaders Inter, cutting the gap at the top of the Serie A table to just six points.

With eight rounds to go, and Napoli also only seven points behind the top spot, the Scudetto race is suddenly opened up again.

Shevchenko gives Leao verdict for Milan

NUREMBERG, GERMANY – JUNE 03: Andriy Shevchenko, The Ukrainian Football Association looks on prior to the international friendly match between Germany and Ukraine at Max-Morlock-Stadion on June 03, 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“Inter have a much deeper squad and the advantage on points, but Milan are having a very good season,” club legend Shevchenko told reporters as he attended an event for the Legends Trophy tour.

“The win over Torino was an important step forward, and Allegri fired up the team after their defeat to Lazio. I think Milan will win the next few matches and put pressure on Inter. If they are up there, anything can happen. It will all be decided in the next few weeks.”

Milan lost to Lazio and the result was overshadowed by controversy when Rafael Leao threw a tantrum at being substituted, resisting a hug from coach Max Allegri, and then reportedly arguing with teammate Christian Pulisic too.

The Portuguese talent has struggled with the new role of centre-forward created for him by Allegri, preferring to start out wide left.

“Rafa is not a striker,” warned Shevchenko, a man who knows plenty about getting goals in the Rossoneri jersey.

“He has been asked to be a centre-forward, doing well in some games, less well in others. We need to see if he really wants to help the team, and he is the only one who can play that role right now.”

CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Rafael Leao of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Although Leao certainly is not lacking in talent, his attitude has often been the cause of problems, and Milan are reportedly losing patience.

“You can get a game wrong, but must not have the wrong attitude,” added Shevchenko.

“There are moments when you can get angry with a teammate or the coach, but the important thing is to clear the air straight away.”

Leao was out injured for the 3-2 victory against Torino, so the last image was of him resisting a substitution with Lazio.