The Rossoneri beat Lazio 2-1 this afternoon to climb to third.

Having struggled to make an impact earlier in the campaign, AC Milan are showing no signs of slowing down - with the win in Rome a fourth triumph in their last five league games.

"The word 'scudetto' does circulate in the changing room," said Leonardo.

"We will try this season, but the path we have to follow is that of humility and of sacrifice.

"There is a long way to go in the season, but we took an important win today."

Leonardo was satisfied with his team's first-half display but believes there is still room for improvement.

Goals from Thiago Silva and Alexandre Pato gave the Rossoneri a 2-0 half-time lead.

But Silva's own goal midway through the second half allowed Lazio to get back in the game, and the visitors had to defend deep.

"We played a great first half," said Leonardo.

"After the re-start, we suffered more. But that is normal, seeing as we were playing against a good side.

"The important thing is that my team didn't lose concentration.

"But we have to show more balance and be more aggressive in front of goal. Otherwise, we risk losing."

Pato, who struck his fifth goal of the campaign against Lazio, was delighted with the result.

"It was a difficult game - because Lazio are a strong team, with great players," he said.

"We were able to score two goals in the first half but we have to be more careful - because after the re-start we struggled and we gave away a goal.

"The important thing is that the team is doing well. We all work hard in training to do well on game day."

The outcome saw Lazio drop to 16th, just above the drop zone.

The Biancoceleste have not won since August 30 - and neither club president Claudio Lotito, coach Davide Ballardini nor the players spoke after the game.

The Romans issued a statement announcing they will be training away from Rome in the international break in the hope of regrouping.