Leao ‘needs to sense the goal more’ and is full of praise for Bartesaghi

Rafael Leao admits he must ‘sense the goal more’ as a centre-forward and is full of praise for Milan teammate Davide Bartesaghi in a new role against Cagliari.

The first half was shaky and full of errors, but the Rossoneri stepped up a gear after the restart and scored the winner through Rafael Leao on Adrien Rabiot’s assist.

Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric also forced saves, whereas Mike Maignan was largely undisturbed by the Cagliari forwards.

Leao impressed with Milan youngster Bartesaghi

CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 02: Rafael Leao of Milan attempts a goal during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 02, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

“It was a team performance, we prepared very well and we knew it would be more about mentality than technique,” Leao told Sky Sport Italia.

“Davide Bartesaghi played in a new position as a central defender, but with the right mentality you can do anything. He had a great performance, he can do great things at Milan. If we all keep our minds focused, it is easier.

“Davide knows what I think, he’s very intelligent, he trains hard, is becoming an important player for this team even if he is young. I feel that he will achieve big things.”

Niclas Fullkrug came on for the final 21 minutes, making his debut just hours after completing the loan move from West Ham United.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 02: Rafael Leao of AC Milan leaves the pitch during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 02, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

“Nic also came on really well, having just arrived. The team is in a good period of form and we’re happy. I feel that if I have two or three scoring opportunities, I have to score two goals. The coach is putting me closer to the net, I need to sense the goal more, and also thank the squad for putting me in a condition to score.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Cagliari 0-1 Milan

Are Milan targeting the Scudetto this season or Champions League qualification?

“We have objectives, but there’s a long way to go. The team all know what the objective of the club is, we are Milan and must try to win important trophies.”

CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 02: Adam Obert of Cagliari reacts as Rafael Leao of Milan scores a goal, bringing the score to 0-1 during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 02, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

There were quite a few changes to the starting XI, as Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Gimenez were injured, with Christian Pulisic, Strahinja Pavlovic and Matteo Gabbia only fit for the bench.

That meant Bartesaghi having to fill in the gaps as a makeshift part of the back three.

“I do my talking on the pitch. I am glad to have the faith of the coach and the team, when they ask me for something, I try to give 100 per cent,” Bartesaghi told Sky Sport Italia.

“Leao always asks me to give him an assist, but I tell him everything comes at the right time.”