Costacurta: ‘Milan played much better without Leao’ against Atalanta | OneFootball

Alessandro Costacurta says Milan played ‘much better’ after Rafael Leao was subbed off against Atalanta and believes the Rossoneri are ‘no longer a group of 11 players’ when the Portuguese is on the pitch.

Milan legend Costacurta was highly critical of Leao after the Rossoneri’s 1-1 draw against Atalanta on Tuesday.

Leao started the game, but was subbed off at halftime, and the former defender saw an improvement in the Milan performance in the second half of the game.

Costacurta criticises Leao after Atalanta 1-1 Milan

Alessandro Costacurta Commissioner of FIGC looks on before the International Friendly match between Italy U21 and Belgium U21 at Friuli Stadium on October 11, 2018 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Milan played much better without Leao,” Costacurta told Sky Sport.

“Milan conceded four goals in three games with Leao as a starter. When Leao was subbed off, Milan didn’t concede. It’s a fact that will cause discussion because with Leao, Milan are no longer a group of 11 players.”

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said after the game that Leao had a little issue in his hip, so he had to be subbed off as the team needed “fresh legs” in the second half.

Leao’s Milan stats this season

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: Federico Gatti of Juventus FC tackles Rafael Leao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Leao only made his Serie A debut at the end of September, having taken nearly two months to recover from a calf injury he suffered in the first competitive game of the season against Bari in Coppa Italia on August 17.

The Portuguese forward has started in the last three Serie A games and has collected four goals in six appearances across all competitions this term.