Liverpool vs Milan reaction: Leao demolished Van Dijk | OneFootball

A fantastic Rafael Leao inspired Milan’s 4-2 win over Liverpool in a summer friendly on Saturday, prompting Gazzetta to claim that the Portuguese star ‘demolished’ Virgil Van Dijk.

Milan secured a 4-2 win over Liverpool in a summer friendly played in Hong Kong on Saturday, with Rafael Leao playing a significant role, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

Gazzetta: Leao demolished Van Dijk in Liverpool vs Milan

HONG KONG, CHINA – JULY 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan (L4, #10) celebrates after scoring his goal with teammates during the Liverpool FC v AC Milan Pre-Season Friendly match at Kai Tak Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

The Portuguese star played as a centre forward for the second consecutive time under new coach Massimiliano Allegri and was the MOTM, according to Gazzetta.

The pink paper wrote that Leao ‘demolished’ Van Dijk in the Rossoneri’s win.

“He hasn’t yet become a natural centre-forward, but not even Van Dijk was able to stop him when he sprinted,” noted Gazzetta.

Milan player ratings vs Liverpool

HONG KONG, CHINA – JULY 26: Noah Okafor of AC Milan (C) celebrates after scoring his goal with Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan (L) and Rafael Leao of AC Milan (R) during the Liverpool FC v AC Milan Pre-Season Friendly match at Kai Tak Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Leao received the highest rating from the Italian sports paper (8.5), while Van Dijk received a rating of 4.5.

Noah Okafor also played a key role in Milan’s win by scoring a brace. Still, Gazzetta rated him slightly lower than Leao (8).

Milan’s next game is against Perth Glory in Perth, Australia, on July 31.

The Rossoneri will then return to Europe to play Leeds United and Chelsea in August.

Milan player ratings v Liverpool via Gazzetta

Maignan 6 (P. Terracciano 6.5); Tomori 7, Thiaw 7, Pavlovic 6.5 (Gabbia 6.5); Saelemaekers 7.5 (Magni N/A), Ricci 7.5 (Comotto N/A), Loftus-Cheek 7.5 (Bondo 6), Fofana 7 (Musah 6.5); Bartesaghi 6.5 (Estupinan 5.5); Pulisic 7; Leao 8.5, Okafor 8.