Gabbia ‘did not expect’ Italy call and now hopes for debut | OneFootball

Milan defender Matteo Gabbia admits he ‘did not expect’ his first senior Italy call-up for Nations League matches against Belgium and Israel. ‘I hope to make my debut, but above all for Italy to win.’

The defender had spent last season on loan in Spain with Villarreal, but since returning to San Siro has become an unexpected rock at the centre of the Rossoneri defence.

He impressed enough to earn a place in Luciano Spalletti’s Azzurri side preparing for the big games against Belgium on Thursday evening, then Israel on Monday.

“I did not expect to be called up, even if I did have some hope. Being here is a special sensation and I am very happy,” Gabbia told Vivo Azzurro TV.

“I will try to enjoy this week to the fullest, giving my best and trying to understand what the coach wants. Wearing the Azzurri jersey is a reason to be proud and a sense of responsibility, it must be honoured in every moment.”

Gabbia among new faces for Italy

The 24-year-old is one of several previously uncapped players along with Michele Di Gregorio, Nicolò Pisilli and Daniel Maldini.

Curiously, Maldini’s father Paolo was the childhood hero of Gabbia in the Milan youth academy.

“I alternated between defence and midfield then, so I really loved watching Paolo Maldini and Daniele De Rossi.”

All the newcomers to the Italy squad have to go through the ritual of standing on a chair in the dining room and singing a song, so Gabbia chose ‘Sarà perché ti amo’ by I Ricchi e Poveri.

“Singing is not one of my best qualities. I chose this song because the Milan fans use it for chants, so I hear it in the stadium and like the tempo.”

Spalletti praised Gabbia for his strength in defence and keeping a high line, not to mention being one of the only Italian players regularly in the Milan starting XI.

“I was very pleased to hear his words, that was a real show of confidence in me. I am getting to know Spalletti over these days, as I had only met him once when he came to Milan training. He gave me a really good impression.”

Could the defender therefore make his Italy debut over the next few days?

“I did not think about it. I hope to make my debut in one of these two games, but above all for Italy to win.”