SCUDETTO FORMULA: FABIO CAPELLO WARNS MILAN DESPITE LEAO AND MAIGNAN BRILLIANCE
Fabio Capello praised Rafael Leao (goal) and Mike Maignan (saves) for Milan's victory, but highlighted Luka Modric's uncharacteristic mistakes and the team's passive first half.
Fabio Capello said Rafael Leao and Mike Maignan stood out in Milan's 1-0 win against Lazio on Saturday. He also thinks Davide Bartesaghi is gaining trust from Massimiliano Allegri. Capello noted that Luka Modric had a rare off-game.
Milan is at the top of the Serie A table for now because of their win over Lazio. Rafael Leao's goal, his fifth this season, puts him among the top scorers along with Christian Pulisic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nico Paz, and Riccardo Orsolini.
Milan hopes Napoli will lose to Roma on Sunday, as Roma needs to win to pass Milan and take back the top spot.
Capello commented on the Milan-Lazio game, saying Leao is getting sharper with his scoring.
Capello thinks Milan had some problems in the first half because Modric didn't play his best.
Capello mentioned in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column that Lazio controlled the game for about 20-25 minutes in the first half. He added that Maignan's saves stopped Milan from potentially losing. He believed Sarri's team could have troubled Milan with their tight setup and ability to close down space. Capello pointed out that Modric made more mistakes than usual, which hurt his team.
Despite Modric's quiet game, Maignan and Leao played very well.
Capello added that Maignan and Leao led the team to victory and to the top of the table. He said they were key players in the 2022 Scudetto win and are important this season as Milan tries to win another title.
Capello emphasised Maignan's importance, saying he makes crucial saves in every game. He also noted Leao’s growth, pointing out his shots on goal, headers, and goals. Capello stated that Leao is playing well as a striker and is becoming more dangerous.
Capello said that Leao is now one of Serie A's top scorers and is helping his teammates more, becoming more responsible and happier.
Capello believes Bartesaghi’s consistent play has made him a key player for Milan under Allegri.
Capello said Bartesaghi is a starter on the left because he is talented and reliable. He noted Bartesaghi's physical presence, courage, and communication skills.
Capello thinks Milan has a good chance to win the Scudetto because of their players and their determination.
Capello ended by saying that these are good signs for Milan fans and that Milan continues to win against tough teams, even if the wins aren't always pretty.
PULISIC HITS BACK: MILAN STAR SHUTS DOWN 2026 GOAL DROUGHT CONCERNS
"I haven't stopped dreaming." Christian Pulisic addresses his goal drought and the frustration of missing out on the Gold Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic isn’t holding back. When critics started questioning his recent form and worried about his 2026 goal drought, he shut them down, calling those concerns “bad questions". The AC Milan forward, fresh off his Time magazine cover, still trusts his ability to step up for the USMNT as they gear up to co-host the World Cup.
All eyes are on him.
The U.S. is set to share the stage for the 2026 World Cup, and Pulisic is set to become the go-to guy for the national team. Landing on the cover of Time isn’t something soccer stars from America get every day, and it just shows how big a deal he’s become, especially after proving himself in Europe. But right as people are finally giving him mainstream recognition, he’s under the microscope for not putting up his usual numbers in front of the goal.
He’s not fazed by the dip.
When Time asked about his goal drought and how he’s handling not scoring for club or country this year, Pulisic didn’t mince words; he’s not sweating it. “I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.” You can hear the confidence in his voice.
Dealing with the noise
Pulisic admits this stretch feels extra tough. Missing out on last June’s Gold Cup squad hurt him, mostly because he’s used to shutting people up with his play. “Normally, I just go out there and score, and that quiets everybody. Right now, I’m in my offseason, so everyone’s talking, and I can’t do anything about it. That’s what’s frustrating.”
For Pulisic, attacking is everything. “Going at the goal, creating attacks, that’s what I live for. Sure, you have to do all the other stuff: defend, run, whatever. That’s fine. But what really gives me joy is finding ways to score and actually scoring.”
Chasing the dream
The U.S. opens their World Cup run against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium on June 12, and Pulisic will lead the team right here at home. He doesn’t like making big public predictions, but at 27, he keeps that childhood dream alive. “That’s just not how I work. But I’ll lie in bed and imagine myself holding the World Cup trophy. I did that when I was a kid, and I haven’t stopped. You need to believe. Why not?”
WHY DID LAUTARO MARTINEZ REJECT A CAREER-DEFINING MOVE TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
"I love Milan." Read why 28-year-old Lautaro Martinez rejected Manchester United and Arsenal to stay at the San Siro in 2026.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has clearly put an end to any speculation about leaving San Siro, making it known that he has no plans to entertain offers from Europe’s top clubs. Even with regular links to teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Arsenal, the Argentine forward is fully committed to what’s happening in Milan.
Martinez has been quite vocal about his dedication to Inter amid constant rumours about his future. Despite frequent connections to some of the biggest clubs on the continent, he insists there’s no reason for him to move on from the current Serie A champions.
Media reports have often tied him to Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, and Manchester United. But through various transfer windows, Martinez has consistently pushed back on the idea of leaving Inter. At 28, he remains a key figure in the team’s current setup and has stepped up as the club’s captain and on-field leader.
In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, Martinez expressed his loyalty to Inter’s project. He made it clear that he isn’t interested in changing clubs despite the speculation.
He said, “No, because I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home here. My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city, and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible. I achieved so many personal and team goals here.”
Success on the pitch seems to deepen his connection to the club. Inter recently secured another league title and continues to chase trophies, including the Coppa Italia. On an individual level, Martinez is eyeing the Capocannoniere prize as Serie A’s top scorer. His steady performances underline why he’s considered one of the most reliable forwards in European football.
Since his move from Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has become the defining presence in Inter’s modern lineup. With 173 goals over 372 competitive games, it’s clear how vital he is to the team.
Looking ahead, the club sees Martinez as a central piece in their long-term plans. His leadership and scoring ability make him hard to replace. Settled both on and off the field in Milan, he seems set on continuing his story at the Giuseppe Meazza, despite ongoing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
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