Andriy Shevchenko says Milan’s resurgence keeps the Scudetto race open; with eight rounds left, bettors might back AC Milan to cover a narrow spread or take Napoli/Inter double-chance as markets tighten. Rafael Leao’s disputed role and attitude could push wagers toward under/over goal props or both-teams-to-score markets. Expect betting lines to shorten as form, suspensions and tactical tweaks influence title odds.
Shevchenko: Scudetto race wide open as Milan close gap on Inter
Milan’s 3-2 win over Torino has cut the deficit to leaders Inter to six points, with eight Serie A rounds remaining and Napoli just seven points behind. Club legend Andriy Shevchenko says the title race is back in contention and believes momentum could shift in the coming weeks.
Milan’s momentum and title math
Shevchenko highlighted Inter’s deeper squad and current points advantage but praised Milan’s season. “The win over Torino was an important step forward, and Allegri fired up the team after their defeat to Lazio,” he said while attending a Legends Trophy event. “I think Milan will win the next few matches and put pressure on Inter. If they are up there, anything can happen. It will all be decided in the next few weeks.”
Leao’s role under scrutiny after substitution controversy
Controversy surrounded Milan’s loss to Lazio when Rafael Leao reacted angrily to being substituted, resisted a hug from coach Max Allegri and reportedly argued with a teammate. The Portuguese forward has been asked to operate as a centre-forward by Allegri after primarily playing from the left flank, a change that has produced mixed results.
Shevchenko’s assessment: talent vs. attitude
A proven goalscorer in his playing days, Shevchenko warned that Leao is not a natural striker and that his attitude could become a liability. “He has been asked to be a centre-forward, doing well in some games, less well in others. We need to see if he really wants to help the team, and he is the only one who can play that role right now,” he said. Shevchenko added that a poor attitude is unacceptable even after an off day: “You can get a game wrong, but must not have the wrong attitude.”
Injury, selection and short-term outlook
Leao was absent for the Torino win due to injury, leaving Allegri with selection decisions as Milan push to stay within striking distance of the leaders. How Allegri manages Leao’s role — and whether squad depth can compensate — will be decisive in the run-in.
Betting implications and markets to watch
Punters should note Milan’s rising form but also uncertainty around Leao’s role and availability.
Markets may favour Milan in short-term match bets but shrink on outright title odds given Inter’s squad depth.
Allegri important Leao injury update: ‘Fullkrug different for Milan’
Consider match props such as under/over goals and both-teams-to-score, and monitor whether bookmakers shorten lines if Milan string together wins or if Leao’s status affects starting XI announcements.
Football Italia
