Adrien Rabiot ready for Napoli test as Milan face Serie A champions

Much of the early-season praise at the San Siro has fallen in the direction of summer recruit Luka Modric. 

The Croatian legend has made a quick impression at Milan, with his influence growing on the team with every game. However, he's not the only new arrival who's seamlessly fitted into the Rossoneri's midfield. 

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Adrien Rabiot returned to Serie A late in the window, following the much-publicised spat with teammate Jonathan Rowe at Marseille. The row saw both players released from the French club, but it's been to Milan's advantage because Rabiot has already made an impact. 

As the driving force in midfield, he made his debut after the international break against Bologna, despite a lack of game time, but his work rate and mentality have quickly been evident in subsequent performances against Udinese and Lecce. 

Next up for Rabiot and his new team is easily their biggest game of the season so far, when they take on champions Napoli. Milan began the season with a shock home defeat to Cremonese, but have bounced back and got better with every performance - largely in part to the new midfielders. 

However, the 30-year-old knows Sunday's encounter will be a better indication of where Milan are and if they can make a title challenge this season. 

"I wouldn’t say this is a Scudetto test, as there is such a long way to go this season, but we can test ourselves and see how far we’ve come." he told MilanNews this week in his first interview since the move.

Rabiot is perfectly placed to judge where his side is at, having won Serie A with Juventus in 2020 and played under current Milan coach Max Allegri during his time in Turin. 

It was the draw to work with the manager once again that saw him turn down several other offers in the summer and reunite with Allegri at the San Siro. 

“He is a strong coach and there are quality players here, so we’ve got to just keep working," he said of the boss. (C)Getty Images

"I can already see a quality Milan side eager to work, with young talent and more experienced figures who can help them along the way.

“I know the coach and his staff well, I know their mentality, and I think the players are starting to learn it, which we can see on the field. I have in me this desire to win and keep clean sheets, but obviously, I am not alone in that.

“I am very happy to be here, and I think you can see it in my performances. I want to do my best and make these fans happy.”

The fans will certainly be happy if they can put in a performance against Napoli, who top the table with a perfect record so far this season, but haven't quite convinced as reigning champions. 

Yet, Rabiot will be forgiven for having half an eye further up the fixture list when Milan take on Juventus next weekend, as the French international returns to the club where he spent five successful years. 

The game will present another chance to see if Milan can move back into title contention following a disappointing season last year and Rabiot is focused on getting one over his former club.

Adding, "Obviously, the game with Juventus is not like the others, but I am a Milan player and want to win every match.

“Apart from that, I wish Juventus the best, because there are good people there who helped me a lot and I have fond memories of my five years there.”

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