Adrien Rabiot’s strong criticism of Serie A’s decision to stage AC Milan’s clash with Como in Australia has sparked a fiery response from league CEO Luigi De Siervo. The executive hit back, urging the French midfielder to “respect the money he earns” and “just play football,” defending the move as necessary to promote Italian football globally.
Rabiot's criticism sparks backlash
Rabiot’s outspoken attack on Serie A’s decision to stage AC Milan’s fixture against Como in Perth, Australia, has ignited a war of words. Calling the idea “completely crazy,” the French midfielder questioned the logic of forcing Italian clubs to play nearly 14,000 kilometres from home. His comments came shortly after UEFA officially approved the controversial plan, citing “exceptional circumstances” linked to the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will occupy Milan’s San Siro that weekend.
The clash, set for February 2026, will be the first Serie A match held outside Italy. While UEFA reiterated that this approval “should not set a precedent,” the move has drawn sharp reactions from players and fans alike, with Rabiot’s remarks standing out as the most direct criticism yet.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportDe Siervo hits back at Rabiot
Lega Serie A CEO De Siervo wasted no time responding to Rabiot’s outspoen work. Speaking on the sidelines of a league meeting at Stadio Olimpico, De Siervo firmly defended the league’s decision and dismissed the midfielder’s complaints.
“Rabiot’s outburst about AC Milan-Como in Australia? He forgets, like all footballers who earn millions of euros, that they’re paid to do something, just play football,” De Siervo said. “He should have respect for the money he earns and be more accommodating to his employer, AC Milan, who agreed and pushed for this match to be played abroad.”
He stressed that players must understand the balance between global exposure and sporting demands, adding: “Top players, whose salaries are commensurate with the effort they put in, should understand that this is a sacrifice that can be made.”
Serie A chief defends global expansion
De Siervo further justified Serie A’s decision by drawing comparisons with other major sporting events. “The Tour de France started in Florence, the Giro d’Italia starts regularly from abroad. This is done to strengthen the product, not weaken it,” he explained.
He emphasised that the Australian fixture would enhance Italian football’s global visibility, insisting that such “exceptional sacrifices” bring long-term benefits. “We’re talking about something complicated but not impossible,” he said. “The organisational challenge is complex, but teams travel business class and are accustomed to such commitments.”
Getty ImagesWhat was Rabiot's problem and what lies ahead?
Rabiot’s stance reflects a growing concern among players about fixture congestion and player welfare. In his comments to , the midfielder said: “It’s completely crazy. These are financial agreements to give visibility to the league, things that are beyond us.”
The February 2026 Milan-Como clash will mark a historic moment for Serie A, and a major test for its international expansion strategy. UEFA’s reluctant approval underscores the fragile balance between commercial ambition and sporting integrity.
For Serie A, success in Perth could pave the way for more global ventures, especially with La Liga also set to stage Barcelona’s fixture against Villarreal in Miami in December 2025. Yet, with players like Rabiot publicly challenging the concept, the league faces the difficult task of promoting growth abroad without alienating its stars or supporters at home.