Costacurta Highlights Leao’s Essential Role at Milan and Compares Gimenez to Crespo

Key Takeaways:

• Alessandro Costacurta stated that Rafael Leao cannot be left out of the Milan line-up when fit
• Costacurta shared that Santiago Gimenez brings to mind Hernan Crespo during his time at Parma
• The Rossoneri legend offered his insights in an interview for La Gazzetta dello Sport

Leao’s Irreplaceable Status for Milan

Former Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta has asserted that Rafael Leao should always be included in Milan’s starting line-up when fit and available. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Costacurta claimed that Leao’s quality makes him indispensable to the squad, especially when paired with Christian Pulisic, with whom he believes Leao can be a threat to any defence.

Alessandro Costacurta feels that Massimiliano Allegri can't afford to leave Rafael Leao out of his starting line-up, and has explained why Santiago Gimenez 'reminds' him of Hernan Crespo at Parma. pic.twitter.com/QVNp1aEyIt

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) October 21, 2025

Gimenez Draws Comparisons with Crespo

Costacurta also discussed Santiago Gimenez, expressing similarities he sees between the current Milan striker and Hernan Crespo during his Parma years. He acknowledged Gimenez’s impressive play, particularly in stretching defences, taking on opponents, and linking with his teammates, though he noted the striker’s ongoing challenge with converting chances to goals. Despite fierce competition for places with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Costacurta included Gimenez among the most positive contributors to Milan’s squad this season.

Attacking Depth at Milan

The Rossoneri legend commented on Milan’s attacking options, highlighting the quality and strength in depth with the presence of Leao, Pulisic, Nkunku, and Gimenez. Costacurta emphasised that competition for positions in the attack drives performance and recalled Ancelotti’s words about Crespo: ‘If you create chances, the goals will come sooner or later’.