Alessandro Costacurta believes Rafael Leão’s frustration during AC Milan’s 1–0 defeat to S.S. Lazio was directed more at teammate Christian Pulisic than at being substituted. The Rossoneri winger showed visible anger when he was replaced in the 65th minute of Sunday’s match in Rome.
Christian Pulisic Named in Rafael Leão Frustration Claim After Milan Loss
Cameras captured Leão apparently rejecting a hug from head coach Massimiliano Allegri as he left the pitch, leaving viewers to question whether his frustration stemmed from the substitution or an earlier missed connection with a teammate.
Linking back to the moment Leão left the pitch, Milan legend Costacurta believes the Portugal international’s anger stemmed from a missed opportunity moments earlier, when Pulisic chose not to pass to him despite a promising attacking situation.
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Speaking on Sky Calcio Club (via MilanNews), Costacurta explained that Leão appeared more annoyed by the lack of service than by the substitution itself.
“I was amazed that despite some excellent runs from Leão, Pulisic never gave it to him,” Costacurta said. “Captain America preferred to give it to others and made that clear. I was making the same gestures as Leão: ‘Give it to him, give it to him!’. He wasn’t angry about the substitution, but about Pulisic’s lack of pass. I wouldn’t have taken Leão off — I would have moved him.”
With the loss adding pressure, the defeat has significantly damaged Milan’s hopes of challenging for the Serie A title. The result leaves the Rossoneri eight points behind leaders Inter Milan with nine matches remaining. It also tightens the race for the top positions, as reigning champions SSC Napoli are now just one point behind Milan in third place.
“Eight points with nine games to go is a lot,” Costacurta added. “If I were in that team, I’d start thinking about the other sides behind.”
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Further compounding Milan’s concerns, statistics from FotMob highlighted Pulisic’s struggles during the match. The American attacker finished the game with no successful dribbles or long balls, won just three of nine ground duels, and managed only one shot on target.
Pulisic has yet to register a goal contribution in 2026, despite featuring in 12 of AC Milan’s matches since the turn of the year. The result, combined with visible tension between key attacking players, has raised further questions about Milan’s cohesion as they enter the final stretch of the season.
