MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 23: Carlos Augusto of FC Internazionale is challenged by Adrien Rabiot of AC Milan during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Adrien Rabiot admitted Milan must improve defensively after their 2-0 defeat to Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final, insisting the Rossoneri cannot hide behind absences as they look to reset for the league campaign.

Speaking to Mediaset at full time, with quotes via MilanNews, the Milan midfielder rejected the idea that missing attacking players was the decisive factor in Riyadh. "Even without Gimenez and Leao we managed to score on other occasions this season, it doesn`t depend on who`s missing," Rabiot explained.

Instead, he pointed to structural issues within the team. "We have to rediscover compactness and solidity. We`re conceding too many chances and too many goals. Defensively we`re a bit light."

Napoli 2-0 Milan - Rabiot reacts to Supercoppa defeat

Rabiot stressed that margins are slim at this level and that Milan failed to make the most of key moments. "We also have to do better in attack, because in games like this you don`t get ten chances," he said. "It was an important match and it hurts to go out. Now we have to get back on track."

The France international was also asked about refereeing decisions, including protests over a challenge on Matteo Politano.

While he felt a red card would have been harsh, Rabiot acknowledged wider frustrations. "It wasn`t a red card, but refereeing mistakes happen," he said. "They`ve been happening for many teams, not just Milan. At the moment referees aren`t doing well."

However, Rabiot was quick to take responsibility. "This match depended on us. We could have done much better," he concluded. "These things can happen during a season, it`s not the end of the world."