Donadoni: Milan Must Find Consistency as Rabiot Emerges as Key Figure

FolioPitch.com – 28 October 2026 | Roberto Donadoni believes Milan need consistency and picks out most important player in Ruben Amorim‘s squad, identifying Adrien Rabiot as the crucial figure for the Rossoneri’s ongoing development. The former Milan midfielder, who won five Serie A titles and three European Cups during his two spells at San Siro, shared his views in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport published on the day of Milan’s clash with his other former club, Bologna.

Donadoni, a key part of Arrigo Sacchi’s and Fabio Capello’s dominant 1990s sides alongside legends like Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and George Weah, understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He noted that while Milan’s results have been solid—18 points on the board—the team has shown a level of inconsistency that needs addressing. “There’s certainly nothing to complain about with the results achieved so far, but so far, Amorim’s team has shown a bit of inconsistency, which is something we need to work on,” he said. “If they also find consistency in their results, then their growth will be more complete.”

When asked to pick one player from each side for a hypothetical team, Donadoni chose Riccardo Orsolini for Bologna and Adrien Rabiot for Milan. He emphasized that Rabiot’s absence would weigh more heavily on Amorim than Orsolini’s on Bologna coach Raffaele Palladino. “Rabiot has clearly acquired a unique depth and personality in all the positions he occupies,” Donadoni explained. This assessment underscores why Donadoni believes Milan need consistency and picks out most important player in Rabiot, whose influence extends beyond mere statistics.

Donadoni also commented on Amorim’s start at Milan, noting that while the coach may not have introduced something entirely new, his ideas—including variations in formation—require time to implement effectively. “A coach doesn’t necessarily have to have something new to offer,” Donadoni said. “Amorim certainly has his own ideas, including variations in formation, which he needs to implement and which inevitably take time to develop.” The former Italy international hopes Milan can progress with fewer ups and downs as the season unfolds, and he reiterated that Donadoni believes Milan need consistency and picks out most important player as central to that growth.

The interview also touched on Milan’s upcoming derby, with Donadoni suggesting that a win against Bologna would provide the ideal context for Amorim’s side. He acknowledged Bologna’s recent form but noted that facing Milan at San Siro is always uncomfortable. “It’s clearly happened in their recent history, and we’ll see if it happens again,” he said. “Let’s just say that facing Milan at San Siro is always uncomfortable, but today even Bologna is finding their form. Whatever happens, though, it’s only the end of October.”

Donadoni’s connection to Milan runs deep. His first stint from 1986 to 1996 established him as one of Italy’s top midfielders, winning five Scudetti and three European Cups/Champions Leagues. He returned in 1997 and helped the Rossoneri to yet another Serie A title in 1999 before moving to Al-Ittihad. He also coached Bologna from 2015 to 2018, and his last job was at Spezia last season. When asked about past contacts with Milan, Donadoni revealed that there were discussions during the pre-China period, but he had already committed to Shenzhen. “I believe that seriousness and the word still have meaning, a strong specific weight,” he said, adding that never having coached the Rossoneri is not a regret.

Furthermore, Donadoni expressed admiration for Milan’s young talents, particularly Cisse, whom he likes for his all-around contributions. He also defended Ramos against criticism, noting that while a striker must score goals, Ramos is a participatory player who works for others and should be appreciated as he develops. These insights reflect Donadoni’s deep understanding of the game and his ongoing connection to Milan, reinforcing why Donadoni believes Milan need consistency and picks out most important player in Rabiot as a linchpin for the team’s ambitions.

In conclusion, Roberto Donadoni’s analysis highlights the fine margins between success and inconsistency at the highest level. For Milan, the challenge is clear: turn promising results into a sustained challenge for honors. With Rabiot’s leadership and Amorim’s tactical acumen, the Rossoneri have the tools to achieve that consistency, but as Donadoni emphasizes, it will require time, patience, and a collective effort to reach the level of the great Milan sides he once graced.