AC Milan defender Matteo Gabbia was called up to the Italian National Team for the first time last week. However, he did not get a chance in the side’s first international game, so he will hope to get some minutes against Israel.
This season has been poor for Milan as a whole, but Gabbia is having an incredible year. In fact, he is one of the few players who can remove themselves from the Rossoneri’s present situation, and deflect fault. Knowing the defender though, he would not choose to do this.
For this reason, and many others, Paulo Fonseca is considering giving him the armband in the return fixture against Udinese given the two captains will be absent. It is likely that he will be at peak condition too, with him not expected to start against Israel.
As ANSA (via Milan News) reports, Luciano Spalletti is considering making some changes to his squad. While there will be a change in defence, the Diavolo defender is not reportedly being considered. Perhaps, he could get a chance from the bench, but it is not guaranteed.
Elsewhere, former Milan midfielder Daniel Maldini could be given some minutes, but decisions are not expected to be made until the last minutes, according to the report.
Spaletti hasn’t exactly been making intelligent choices as italy manager, so this is sadly no surprise
Gabbia should get a nod to start. Bastoni seemed to be quite tired and slowed down towards the later minutes of that last match against Belgium. DiLorenzo has been a liability of late so should be benched in favor of another player- perhaps Buongiorno. The up and coming players need a chance and this match against Israel is best chance to experiment because can’t take risks against bigger opponents.