Rabiot urges Milan to improve defense after Napoli defeat
Adrien Rabiot has stressed that Milan must tighten their defensive work in the wake of a 2-0 loss to Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final. Speaking to media after the game, the midfielder underlined that the Rossoneri cannot hide behind absences or excuses as they look ahead to the league campaign.
The result against Napoli left Milan with work to do as they recalibrate their plans for the rest of the season. While the focus has often been on squad depth and available personnel, Rabiot’s comments point to a broader demand for sharper defending and more consistent concentration at key moments.
What the defeat signals for Milan
The semi-final defeat highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued Milan at times in recent seasons. Rabiot’s remarks suggest the team recognizes the need for improved organization, tighter marking, and fewer lapses that can prove costly in high-stakes fixtures.
For Milan, the immediate task is to reset quickly as they prepare for the Serie A schedule. The challenge is to translate training-ground work into match-day resilience, and to turn the page on the setback with a more robust approach at the back and sharper transition play in attack.
Context and potential turning points
Supercoppa Italiana clashes carry extra pressure, and a defeat can serve as a catalyst for adjustment. Milan’s leadership will likely emphasize defensive cohesion, compact lines, and collective responsibility to prevent repeat performances that concede easily against strong opponents.
Beyond personnel choices, the tactical framework will be scrutinized. The coaching staff may reassess pressing triggers, ball progression, and how the midfield supports the defense to limit counter-attacks and set-piece vulnerabilities that have historically impacted Milan’s results against top-tier sides.
What Milan fans should watch next
- Defensive shape and communication as a unit, rather than individual efforts.
- Transition efficiency: how quickly Milan moves from defence to attack while maintaining solidity at the back.
- Squad health and depth, ensuring that absences do not magnify defensive gaps in the next fixtures.
While this defeat is a setback, it also provides a clear signal for what Milan must address. The message from Rabiot underscores a mindset shift: accountability and improvement start with defense, and there is no place for excuses as the team chases success on multiple fronts.
As Milan reassesses, the focus will be on building momentum in Serie A and competing strongly in domestic Cup competitions. The road ahead offers opportunities to bounce back, refine defensive discipline, and build a more cohesive unit capable of withstanding the rigors of a demanding campaign.
