AC Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca has explained what has changed Rafael Leao and reiterated that the trophy is seen as a goal for the club.

The Coppa Italia is a trophy that Milan haven’t won in over two decades, which feels like an incredibly long time for a club that has won virtually every other major trophy it has competed in since.

The last time the Rossoneri won the domestic cup was in 2002/03 when Carlo Ancelotti was in charge. A 6-3 aggregate win over Roma – after a 4-1 win at the Olimpico in the first leg – came shortly after winning the Champions League in Manchester against Juventus.

Fonseca needs to give his team the right motivation, also because the Coppa could be the “easiest” trophy for Milan to win this year. The Scudetto and UCL seem out of reach, while Supercoppa in the Middle East will be a lottery however he made eight changes to the team.

The coach spoke to Italia 1 (via MilanNews) shortly before kick-off and shed light on his selection decisions and ambitions.

Do you want to win the Coppa Italia?

“It’s a competition that I really like, that’s true. I think we have a chance to move forward. The way the competition is organized will allow the best teams to advance to the semi-finals. But we have to think about today without making any big plans. But we are Milan, we are ambitious and we want to reach the final.”

You will rely on Leao again, has Rafa changed?

“He uses other spaces, not just the sideline. He’s doing well, he’s in good shape. It is important to have a strong attack today. I made this choice, I trust everyone. Okafor was sick this week. But it’s a decision to win the game.”

Should Abraham give more in the penalty area?

“He played a great game in Bratislava. Then my decision was to play with Morata against Empoli. But Abraham is growing, he plays the role differently than in recent years. I expect him to have a good game.”

So you expect leadership?

“Yes, of course (smiles)! It’s important to have that leadership on the team. We have players who can do it well.”