Interviewed by his colleague from 'Il Corriere della Sera', Carlos Passerini, Matteo Gabbia spoke about the missed Scudetto, childhood memories, and also the difficult period Italian football is going through. Below are his statements.
Matteo Gabbia, you wear the number 46 shirt. A fan of Valentino Rossi?
"No, it’s my grandmother Adriana’s birth year, she’s my first supporter, together with my grandfather Gilberto. They’ve had season tickets at San Siro for forty years, in the orange first tier. When I was little, they used to take me; I sat on their laps, that’s how I became a fan. When I made my Serie A debut in 2020, I looked up and among 80,000 people I saw them clearly. It felt like coming full circle."
From Milanello to Fagnano Olona, where you grew up, it’s 10 kilometres.
"Eight, if you go through the woods. As kids, my cousin and I would cycle there to see our champions: Maldini, Nesta, Shevchenko. I joined the youth academy at 13."
What is Milan to you?
“An extended family. We’re all Rossoneri fans: my dad, my uncles. If I lose, they sulk at home.”
What was missing this year for the Scudetto?
"I don’t know, but I think we did our best. Credit has to go to those who were stronger, we should congratulate them. I know it’s hard for the fans to accept, it is for me too, but in sport you have to accept the result. We should also remember we started from eighth place."
Next season, is the goal the Scudetto for the second star?
"It has to be, of course. When you’re at Milan, you play to win. It’s a privilege."
Will Allegri stay? You recently gave a clear endorsement…
"For us, the manager is fundamental. He’ll decide, obviously, but in the dressing room we all hope he stays. He’s brought fresh air. Look at the defence: we’re now the second best in Europe after Arsenal. He’s happy with us, he always says so."
And will Modrić stay?
"We press him every day. But it’s his life choice," Gabbia commented.
Leão’s future is also uncertain... He replied:
"Sometimes there’s too much harshness towards Rafa. We teammates know how strong he is. And we’d like to continue together."
National team chapter. You missed Bosnia through injury. We’ve failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. Is it because of too many foreigners in Serie A?
"It’s an open wound for all fans. I suffered watching on TV, but I feel responsible just like the guys who were there. I believe Italians should play only if they’re good enough. Merit alone will save us. Foreigners aren’t to blame, they’re not the problem. If you’re good, you play. Italian or not."
In your career there’s a before and after: when you returned from your six-month loan at Villarreal in Spain in 2023, you were different.
“An experience outside your comfort zone helps everyone. It’s advice I’d give beyond football too. I’m 26, and I tell people my age that time abroad improves you: you mature, you change your mindset, you overcome fears that have no real reason to exist. And then it’s about confidence, you only find it by putting yourself out there.”
What would you have done if you hadn’t been a footballer?
"A real estate agent. Or a shop assistant in a nice store. I like being around people, talking, finding common ground."
Is that why they always send you to speak in the press room after defeats?
"I don’t shy away from taking responsibility."
Your wife Federica once spoke out against the haters who targeted her after a defeat. What’s your relationship with social media?
“They should be used in moderation. Beyond a certain point they bring negative energy.”
The side parting, the shirt tucked in, you look like a well-behaved lad. Not even a tattoo?
"None. I like them on others, not on me. I’m fine as I am, everyone has their own style."
How important is money? Gabbia said:
“My parents taught me the importance of simplicity. I used to live in central Milan; now we’ve moved to Legnano. A garden, a dog, quiet, a walk in the park, we’re into the small things. And in a few weeks, a baby girl will arrive; her name will be Vittoria. Money matters, anyone who says otherwise is lying. For holidays, for your children’s education, for peace of mind. But it can’t buy everything. I realised that now that my grandmother isn’t very well. We are what we are, not what we own.”
What dream do you have for the future?
"The Champions League, one day. But even before that, the Scudetto for the second star. To dedicate it to her."
