Matteo Gabbia believes that AC Milan showed what they can do against a strong opponent as they beat Roma 3-1 tonight at San Siro.
Gabbia returned early from his loan spell with Villarreal to help a centre-back department that was and still is in crisis due to the many injuries, and he made his first league start tonight in the victory.
He had started the game against Atalanta in midweek but was forced off after emerging bloodied in a clash with De Roon during the first half, a match Milan would ultimately go on to lose as well.
The Rossoneri were jeered off the pitch on Wednesday but applauded tonight, after a comprehensive display with three good goals and of course three points that pads the lead to nine points above fifth place.
Gabbia spoke to Sky at the end of the game to get his thoughts on what was a comfortable win in the end for Milan and another positive performance for him, with MilanNews relaying his quotes.
How important was that win, after the defeat in the Coppa Italia?
“I think we tried to work well during the week, sometimes the results don’t follow our commitment. I’m happy that we managed to turn the page immediately and win against a strong opponent, now we need continuity.”
Are there any regrets?
“There are regrets but they must be put aside, now is the time to push. At the end of the season we will draw conclusions. Better to look to the future than to the past.”
What situation did you find upon returning to Milan?
“I found a very strong team, a very united group and a very motivated staff. There may be difficulties, the opponent is strong. I look at the glass half full, we reacted and scored beautiful goals. I found a solid group again, I’m very happy to be back.”
You appear calmer with the ball…
“Thanks for the compliment, I’m pleased. I work to improve. In Spain it was an extremely educational experience, it made me very happy. I have to improve and work to try to be the best version of me.”
He also spoke with DAZN, and he discussed the battle that he had with Romelu Lukaku as well as the role that he can play in the squad.
“It was stimulating to face him because he is a strong attacker. It was an important game, this victory can give us momentum for the future.
“I’m used to playing with the coach’s formation. I have to improve some gaps I have to suffer less in some situations. I feel good here because of how we play, but the period in Spain helped me
“The chance I had? I hit it with my full face. I lost eye contact with the ball, I was making a block for Giroud. I made a complete mistake.”
Gabbia is a ball playing center back and I knew Spain would do him good. Steady guy ,likable and a good player.
hope he will learn as many as he can from Kjaer, both not fast defender but Kjaer is Milan quality.
I feel for this kid. He’s done reasonably well so far. But we know that with Tomori and Thiaw fit, Gabbia is on the bench. in the summer if Kjaer leaves, Gabbia can stay.
Our central defence pairing should be Gabbia and Tomori when all are fit.
Did Gabbia become good on the ball or what. I think his time in Spain helped with that.
And I agree, if his performances should continue like this ,when all defenders are fit, Tomori might be selling a new partn.