Gabbia follows Italy dream but has just one ‘priority’ at Milan | OneFootball

Milan defender Matteo Gabbia hopes he’ll get an Italy call-up one day but insists that he’s only focused on Milan: ‘It’s the most important thing.’

The Italian centre-back scored a late winner in Milan’s 2-1 win over city rivals Inter on Sunday night, helping the Rossoneri to end a six-game losing streak against the Nerazzurri.

“Honestly, the defeats in the derbies highly upset us,” Gabbia told reporters during an event in Milan, as quoted by Milannews.

“People may think we only play, but we often feel disappointed. It was essential to win against Inter, but we must understand it was worth only three points. Now, we need consistency.

“Now I am really happy. It was a nice day and I’ve received so much love from my teammates and the fans. We are already focused on Friday’s game,” he continued.

Gabbia follows Italy dream but has just one ‘priority’ at Milan

The Rossoneri host Lecce at San Siro in the next Serie A Round.

“The spirit hasn’t changed, we’ve always worked well, giving our best,” insisted Gabbia.

“That’s what we must do. We want the season to go in the best way, but it only depends on us.

“Surely, we are not happy with the points we have in the league, but looking at the past now, it’s not relevant. We must look to the future to get some satisfaction, knowing that everything we need now will lead us through a positive path until the end of the season. It’s still too early; everything is possible.”

Gabbia’s convincing performances this season have prompted Italian media to suggest the defender deserves a chance with the Italian national team. Luciano Spalletti was at San Siro on Sunday to watch the derby.

“I didn’t talk to Spalletti. [Italy call-up] is a dream that I hope I can fulfil one day,” said Gabbia.

“My priority is Milan right now, not the national team. I want to do well with this shirt because it’s the most important thing.”

The 24-year-old is under contract with the Rossoneri until June 2026, and he is in no hurry to sign a new deal.

“I have a contract with Milan, so I don’t know what the club will do. They know what I’d like, but I feel this shirt on my skin and am happy this way,” he concluded.

“I don’t need it now; I already have a contract. I am calm, and I want to continue to do well. This is the only priority for me, the club, and the coach.”

Gabbia returned to Milan in the 2024 January transfer window after a six-month loan spell at Villarreal in the Spanish La Liga.

A product of Milan’s Academy, Gabbia has made 79 appearances with the Rossoneri senior team.