Rabiot's Return Fuels Milan's Derby Push
22 November 2025
Rabiot's Return Fuels Milan's Derby Push
Milan, led by veteran coach Massimiliano Allegri, travel to Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium on Sunday for the Serie A round 12 clash.
The Rossoneri welcome back French midfielder Adrien Rabiot after an injury sidelined him in recent matches, boosting hopes ahead of the big derby.
Earlier, Allegri had described the issue as 'a weak plantar muscle', but deeper checks later clarified it as a left soleus muscle injury.
Rabiot's absence had been a blow for Milan, a core figure in their midfield who helps control the tempo and transitions.
During the international break, while the French star was away, questions grew about when he would return to training.
Last Tuesday he resumed full training, signaling his readiness for the derby and a possible return to his starting role with the same impact he brings in the build-up and defensive support.
Rabiot is the kind of player who can lift the team’s rhythm when needed and also maintain a high level of effectiveness in transitions.
In sum, Milan looks different with Rabiot in the lineup versus without him, a gap that translates into points in a title race they are keen to win.
Derby Stakes and Standings
In Serie A, Inter started the season with a convincing 5-0 win over Torino, but then dropped a pair of shocks at Udinese and Juventus.
They followed with a run of wins against Sassuolo, Cagliari, Cremonese and Roma, before a 3-1 away loss at Napoli, and later regained form with a thrashing of Fiorentina.
The run continued with victories away to Verona and then versus Lazio, leaving Inter on 24 points at the top of the table, level with Roma in second and a couple of points ahead of Milan and Napoli (22). Inter also boast the best goalscoring tally, with 26, ten more than any other side.
Meanwhile Milan’s campaign began with a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Cremonese, but the team then reeled off four straight wins (Lecce 2-0, Bologna 1-0, Udinese 3-0, Napoli 2-1) before a goalless draw with Juventus and a hard-fought 2-1 win over Fiorentina.
The Rossoneri then drew at Pisa, followed by more stalemates with Atalanta and Parma, before a late victory over Roma. They sit third with 22 points, two behind leaders Inter and rivals Roma.
Punchline: If this derby were a sniper duel, the target would be the back of the net—precision over drama, and a shot that finally lands in the right place.
Punchline: And if Milan's defense ever files a complaint, tell them to aim higher—it's always the goalkeeper who ends up with the last laugh (and the clean sheet) after the post-match selfies.
