Leao and Tomori on AC Milan ambition: ‘Dreaming costs nothing’

Rafael Leao said ‘dreaming costs nothing’ for AC Milan Scudetto ambitions, while Fikayo Tomori insists they are ‘not thinking two or three months ahead.’

Lazio had the better of the first half, as Mike Maignan again came to the rescue with big saves on Mario Gila and Mattia Zaccagni.

It was the Rossoneri who took the lead somewhat against the run of play after the restart with a well-worked team goal, finalised by Rafael Leao sliding in to meet the Tomori low cross.

There was huge tension in stoppages when Lazio had penalty appeals examined by VAR, but the referee decided that Adam Marusic had fouled Strahinja Pavlovic before the handball.

It nonetheless prompted a scuffle on the touchline, with both Max Allegri and Lazio assistant manager Marco Ianni sent off.

“Lazio are a good team, they caused us problems, but we were united, we fought together and bring the three points home,” Tomori told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have a good group, and the way we are playing right now, you can see we’re solid. We’re playing good football, and we want to continue like this. It’s early days, we are doing well, but are not thinking two or three months ahead, just the next match.”

Rafael Leao has now scored five goals this season, despite a long injury lay-off, and is finally getting to grips with his new role as a centre-forward.

“I am learning to be a Number 9, but the team helps me, both on and off the field. They understand the movements, Tomori’s cross was a movement that we have tried in training, so I knew where to go to meet it,” the Portugal international told Sky Sport Italia.

“We’ve got to keep this going, we beat a strong Lazio side who wanted to climb the table, and we’re very happy.”

Milan are temporarily top of the table and have won all the big games so far this season, so can they aim for the Scudetto?

“We are on the right path, but there are many games to go this season. We worked very well this week and want to keep it going. We play Lazio again in four days and want to beat them again, with help from our incredible fans.”

That match against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday is the Coppa Italia Round of 16 fixture.

“As I already said, Allegri is a winner, he won here before at Milan, and he is able to keep everyone on their toes. You saw those who came off the bench had the right attitude and that makes it easier to win something important,” added Leao when pressed on Scudetto ambitions.

“Dreaming costs nothing, but there’s a long road ahead of us, the Coppa Italia is an objective too for this season.”