AC Milan boss Marco Giampaolo insists Rafael Leao deserved his place in defeat to Inter Milan.

Giampaolo surprised everyone by picking Leao in the starting XI.

The 20-year-old Portuguese striker had played only 15 minutes against Udinese in August.

“Leao is a good player, he is fast, agile and has skill. I thought his pace could cause problems for the Inter defence. He must learn to stay in the game throughout.

“Diego Godin up against him, for example, is a difference in experience. The good thing is that Leao is not a timid player, by any means."