‘Demolished!’ – Van Dijk Slated by Italian Media for Poor Showing Against Leao

AC Milan’s Rafael Leao Runs Riot as Liverpool’s Defence Is Pulled Apart in Pre-Season Clash

It was billed as a marquee clash of European heavyweights, a pre-season encounter meant to test fitness levels and experiment with tactics. But as Liverpool fell 4-2 to AC Milan in Hong Kong, the headlines weren’t about squad rotation or promising youth — they were about one man’s dazzling performance, and another’s disastrous one.

Virgil van Dijk, long regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, was at the heart of a defence that was torn apart by Rafael Leao, the mercurial Portuguese winger who delivered one of the standout individual performances of the summer so far.

Italian Press Pull No Punches: “Demolished”

The aftermath in Italy was brutal. Renowned sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport did not hold back in its post-match assessment, awarding Van Dijk a scathing 4.5 out of 10, and labeling his efforts to contain Leao as “completely inadequate.” The word they used? “Demolito.” Demolished.

And it wasn’t just the scoreline that stung. Gazzetta’s match report went further:

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

The imagery was clear — a once-impenetrable wall, now crumbling under the weight of pace, power, and pure confidence. It was not the sort of press Van Dijk is used to receiving.

Leao Leaves Van Dijk in His Wake

Liverpool FC v AC Milan Pre-Season Friendly

The problems began early. In just the 11th minute, Leao opened the scoring, turning Christian Pulisic’s pass into a rocket finish despite being forced wide by Van Dijk. It was a sharp, explosive finish into the top corner — one that stunned the Kai Tak Stadium crowd into silence and gave Milan the early edge.

The muted celebration that followed — a nod to his late Portugal teammate Diogo Jota — only added weight to the moment.

But it wasn’t just the goal. Leao seemed to grow in stature as the game progressed. His movement between the lines, ability to cut inside, and sharp acceleration repeatedly exposed Liverpool’s backline — and particularly Van Dijk, who looked a step behind for most of the night.

The second half was no better. Leao turned creator this time, driving forward and assisting Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Milan’s second. And moments later, he was part of the build-up to Milan’s third, a smart backheel in midfield triggering another devastating counterattack.

By the time Noah Okafor had netted Milan’s fourth in stoppage time, Leao had already exited to a standing ovation. His work was done. And Van Dijk’s nightmare was complete.

Cracks at the Back? Defensive Concerns Mount for Liverpool

While much of the focus has rightly been on Leao’s brilliance, the manner in which Liverpool’s defence folded under pressure has prompted concern — not just among fans, but now in the press.

This wasn’t Liverpool at full strength. The back four shifted constantly, with Van Dijk initially paired with Ryan Gravenberch (a midfielder by trade), and then Ibrahima Konaté coming on in the second half to partner Kostas Tsimikas, another square peg in a round hole.

Still, the fragility in transition, the passive pressing, and the gaping spaces between the lines are problems that won’t fix themselves by August.

The sale of Jarell Quansah, persistent fitness concerns over Joe Gomez, and an off-colour outing from the captain himself have added urgency to the conversation around defensive depth. There were murmurs even before this tour — and now, after Leao’s dominant performance, they’re growing louder.

Slot Stays Calm: “No Concern at Centre-Back”

But if Liverpool fans were hoping for a reassuring post-match address from Arne Slot, it came — albeit with a dose of managerial defiance.

“I don’t think we have a concern at centre-back,” Slot told reporters in Hong Kong, brushing aside suggestions that reinforcements are needed.

It’s a brave stance, and one that may reflect his broader philosophy. Slot has inherited a side in transition. Tactical tweaks, positional flexibility, and trust in youth appear to be pillars of his early regime.

But even the most progressive systems need a solid spine. And if Van Dijk continues to look a step off the pace — whether physically or mentally — the question becomes whether Liverpool are equipped to weather it, or whether reinforcements will become a necessity before the window shuts.

Leao’s Rise and Milan’s Confidence Boost

Liverpool FC v AC Milan Pre-Season Friendly

For AC Milan and Stefano Pioli, the match was more than just a pre-season test — it was a confirmation that they may already have their talisman ready to deliver in 2025.

Leao was player of the match, according to both Gazzetta and international outlets. His performance combined flair with end product — a long-time criticism he seems keen to silence.

Despite operating slightly more centrally than usual, Leao adapted with ease. His ability to pull defenders out of position, switch wings, and find pockets of space created endless headaches for Liverpool. His chemistry with new arrivals like Pulisic and Loftus-Cheek also hinted at a more cohesive Milan attack this season.

The Rossoneri next face Perth Glory as they continue their tour — and after this display, they’ll do so with real momentum.

What Comes Next for Liverpool?

For Liverpool, the road ahead offers a chance for reflection and response.

They’ll finish their Asia tour with a match against Yokohama FC on Wednesday — an opportunity to bounce back and, perhaps, try a more settled backline.

Then it’s back to Anfield for a friendly with Athletic Club, followed by the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace, and the Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 15.

Slot has just weeks to find solutions — not just for the defence, but for the cohesion and balance of the team as a whole. The attack looks sharp. The midfield has options. But without a reliable, organised foundation, it may all be built on sand.

Final Word: A Wake-Up Call Disguised as a Friendly

Make no mistake, this was a friendly. It won’t count in any league table. But pre-season isn’t just about results — it’s about patterns, problems, and potential.

And on a humid night in Hong Kong, the pattern was clear: Rafael Leao is ready to explode, and Liverpool have work to do at the back.

For Van Dijk, this may just be a blip. He’s too experienced and too proud to let one bad night define him. But for now, the headlines — in Italy and beyond — belong to Leao. And they read: “Demolished.”