Rafael Leao: ‘Milan derby in Coppa Italia can change our season’ | OneFootball

Rafael Leao admits he has ‘no explanation’ for Milan’s difficulties after defeat to Atalanta, but the Coppa Italia semi-final against Inter ‘is one last opportunity to change this season.’

The Rossoneri’s chances of qualifying for Europe via Serie A have practically been wiped out by this evening’s 1-0 home defeat to Atalanta.

It was decided by an Ederson free header to finish off a well-worked team move, leaving the Diavolo in ninth place.

“It’s difficult to give an explanation,” Leao told DAZN and reporters in a press conference.

“What I can say is that since Sergio Conceicao arrived, we have often been able to fight back and turn games around where we were trailing. The coach brought us this determination. At times, we play well and don’t win, at others we play badly and do win. I have no explanation for any of it.”

There was hope that the elimination from the Champions League would give more time to work in training, resulting in a change to the 3-4-3 formation that had done so well in last week’s 4-0 victory away to Atalanta.

However, it was back to square one this evening, even with the same starting XI and tactical system.

“It went so well against Udinese, but this was a strange game. We could’ve opened the scoring, especially after coming out for the second half with more grit and hunger, but Atalanta scored on the counter-attack.”

Leao admits Milan are down to their last chance

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 20: Rafael Leao of AC Milan battles for possession with Raoul Bellanova of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Now the only real hope that Milan have to save this season is the Coppa Italia, as lifting that trophy would see them qualify for the Europa League.

The first leg of the semi-final with Inter ended 1-1, so it’s all up for grabs in the second leg on Wednesday, another massive Derby della Madonnina.

“We’ve got to give it our all to win, reach the Final and make all our fans happy,” said Leao.

“Not just them, but we need joy too, because it has been a very difficult season. This is a derby, there’s not much else to say, we’ve got to start with the right determination to win and get it into our heads we can take this trophy.”

Milan have already beaten Inter to win silverware this season, as Sergio Conceicao’s second game in charge back in January was a comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2, lifting the Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh.

“This is a very important match that can change our season. We have one last opportunity to change this season.”