The early weeks of the 2025-2026 Serie A season have already delivered a feast of footballing drama, with AC Milan emerging as one of the most talked-about squads in Italy. The Rossoneri, under the guidance of Massimiliano Allegri, have found fresh inspiration in their new signings and returning stars. But it’s the impact of Adrien Rabiot and the continued excellence of Luka Modric that have truly set tongues wagging, not to mention the electric performances of Christian Pulisic. With a crucial clash against Napoli looming on Sunday, September 28, Milan’s midfield strength and attacking flair are drawing praise from legends and pundits alike.
Adrien Rabiot’s arrival at Milan was a headline-grabber in itself. Announced on deadline day and joining the squad after the first international break, the Frenchman wasted no time stamping his authority on the pitch. Rabiot’s performances have been nothing short of sensational, earning him high ratings in every outing. According to SempreMilan, he was even named Man of the Match in his most recent appearance before September 26, 2025. That’s no small feat considering the quality and competition in Milan’s midfield.
Fabio Capello, the legendary manager and a voice of authority in Italian football, weighed in on Rabiot’s influence ahead of the highly anticipated Milan-Napoli showdown. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello didn’t mince words: “Rabiot is the player who has impressed me the most in these first few games: angry, determined, decisive. I believe he has been even better than he was at Juventus. And with a Rabiot like that, everything is easier even for a professor like Modric.” Capello’s endorsement is significant, not just for its praise but for what it signals about Milan’s ambitions this season.
Rabiot’s presence has, according to Capello, made life simpler for Luka Modric, the Croatian maestro who continues to defy age and expectations. Modric, who joined Milan to much fanfare, has quickly become a pivotal figure in the Rossoneri’s midfield engine room. With both Rabiot and Modric expected to start against Napoli, Allegri can count on a blend of experience, creativity, and steel that few Serie A sides can match. The prospect of Rafael Leao making the bench adds another layer of intrigue and excitement for Milan fans desperate to see their team at full strength.
But it’s not just Capello and the Milan faithful who are taking notice. The Italian sports press has been busy crunching the numbers and handing out ratings for the league’s top performers after the first four rounds. According to Fantacalcio.it, Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) and Nico Paz (Como) are leading the pack, each boasting an impressive average player rating of 7.00 out of 10. Both have contributed to four goals for their respective teams—Pulisic with three goals and one assist, Paz with two goals and two assists. Their early-season form has been pivotal in their clubs’ strong starts, and for Milan, Pulisic’s dynamism on the wing has added a new dimension to Allegri’s tactical setup.
Inter’s Marcus Thuram sits just behind the leading duo with an average rating of 6.88, while Napoli’s Leonardo Spinazzola stands out as the only Italian player in the top 10, thanks to his one goal and two assists. Notably, Milan’s Luka Modric also features prominently, ranked fourth with an average rating of 6.88—a testament to his enduring quality and immediate adaptation to Serie A’s unique demands. The top 10 list, as published by Fantacalcio.it and reported by Telegraph, only includes players who have participated in at least half of their team’s matches, ensuring that these accolades reflect consistent excellence rather than fleeting brilliance.
For Milan, the convergence of individual brilliance and collective purpose is palpable. Rabiot’s powerful midfield displays have given Modric the freedom to orchestrate play, while Pulisic’s attacking verve has kept defenders on their toes. With a strong midfield core and a revitalized attack, Allegri’s side looks well-equipped to challenge on multiple fronts. “Rabiot is the player who has impressed me the most in these first few games,” Capello reiterated, underscoring just how transformative the Frenchman’s presence has been.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Napoli, with their own stars like Spinazzola and Zambo Anguissa, are eager to assert themselves after a mixed start. Milan, meanwhile, are riding a wave of optimism, buoyed by the performances of their new signings and the leadership of veterans like Modric. The midfield battle promises to be a highlight, with Rabiot and Modric facing off against Napoli’s energetic engine room. And with Rafael Leao potentially returning to the bench, Milan’s attacking options are as deep as they’ve been in recent memory.
It’s not often that a deadline-day signing makes such an immediate and profound impact, but Rabiot’s story is quickly becoming one of the season’s defining narratives. His ability to combine physicality with technical skill has given Milan a fresh edge, while his partnership with Modric is blossoming into one of Serie A’s most watchable midfield duos. For fans and neutrals alike, the anticipation for Sunday’s match is reaching fever pitch.
As the Serie A campaign gathers pace, the early returns suggest that Milan’s recruitment strategy is paying dividends. The blend of youth and experience, exemplified by Pulisic and Modric, is giving Allegri the tactical flexibility to adapt to any opponent. And with players like Rabiot hitting their stride, the Rossoneri faithful have every reason to dream big this season.
With the top 10 player ratings now public and the spotlight firmly on Milan’s stars, all eyes will be on the San Siro this weekend. Will Rabiot continue his meteoric rise? Can Modric maintain his high standards? And will Pulisic’s goal-scoring form tip the balance in Milan’s favor? The answers will begin to unfold as Milan and Napoli lock horns in what promises to be one of the season’s most compelling encounters.
As kick-off approaches, Milan’s supporters can take heart from the words of Fabio Capello and the hard data from Italy’s sports press: this is a team with momentum, talent, and belief. Sunday’s match might not decide the title, but it will certainly set the tone for the battles to come. For now, Milan’s midfield maestros and attacking stars are giving fans plenty to cheer about—and just maybe, a glimpse of silverware on the horizon.