'That’s how it goes in Italy' - Adrien Rabiot takes swipe at critics after inspiring Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan to victory

The France international made a spectacular return to club action, transforming Milan's fortunes in a 2-1 away triumph against Torino. Introduced as a second-half substitute, Rabiot needed just minutes to make his mark on the contest.

He immediately set up Alphadjo Cisse to break the deadlock. Barely 120 seconds later, the midfielder found the back of the net himself, decisively sealing the three points for Amorim’s side.

This explosive cameo shut down recent murmurs of discontent. Rabiot had not featured since France’s World Cup third-place play-off defeat to England, taking an extended summer break alongside teammate Mike Maignan. His prolonged absence had sparked frustration among segments of the Italian media and fanbase.

Following his match-winning display, the midfielder wasted no time addressing the noise surrounding his delayed return. He clarified that Amorim had happily granted his request for additional rest following a gruelling campaign.

"I returned with great hunger, we asked the coach for a couple more days and he told us to take four, so I don’t understand why it was controversial," Rabiot told Sky Sport Italia. "Then again, that’s how it goes in Italy. I needed that time off to rest both physically and mentally, because it was a tough season, especially the way it ended at Milan."

The Frenchman also expressed his satisfaction with the new regime, putting to bed rumours that he was unsettled following Massimiliano Allegri’s departure.

"I'm glad to be back, to have seen what ideas the coach has, and I also spoke to the boss [Gerry Cardinale]," he added. "I’m pleased to be back on the pitch after just one week of training, but I understood what the coach wants, what he expects from me, and I’m glad to have contributed a goal and assist."

Amorim's arrival has brought a noticeable shift in Rabiot's positional responsibilities. Replacing Ruben Loftus-Cheek against Torino, the former Juventus man operated as an advanced mdfielder behind the main striker, a role that clearly suits his attacking instincts.

Rabiot noted that the new tactical setup allows him to thrive in the final third. "I already had a similar role with Roberto De Zerbi at Marseille," he explained. "I like to attack the goal, so I’m happy."

Under the Portuguese tactician, Milan intend to dominate the ball and press higher up the pitch. "I am closer to the goal when we recover the ball, so this season we’ll try to have more possession than the opponents, and then it ought to be easier to create chances, score goals and provide assists," Rabiot concluded.

With his fitness and commitment emphatically proven, Rabiot will look to nail down a starting spot in Amorim’s system. Milan will need their talismanic midfielder firing on all cylinders as they adapt to a possession-heavy philosophy and chase domestic honours. If his immediate impact against Torino is anything to go by, the Rossoneri have a potent weapon ready to dictate proceedings in the final third.