Matteo Gabbia has been one of the most consistent AC Milan players in recent years, yet he has struggled for playing time this season. Since Sergio Conceicao’s arrival, as highlighted by a report, he has spent more and more time on the bench.
The academy product returned early from his loan at Villarreal in January 2024 due to the injury crisis at Milan. He ended up being one of the best players in the second half of the season, cementing his spot in the heart of the defence.
Under Paulo Fonseca, he was initially benched but then received a lot of playing time from the Portuguese manager, scoring in the derby among other things. As highlighted by MilanNews, his undisputed spot in the defence has certainly become disputed since Conceicao’s arrival.
Gabbia is the ‘last Italian standing’ in the Milan team, at least if we look at potential starters, but he’s definitely struggling for game time at the moment. This is also something his agent brought up yesterday, criticising the manager for the treatment.
Taking a look at the Rossoneri’s record with the Italian in defence, it’s a close call but still an advantage for the academy product.
Without Gabbia
- 8 victories (one in Supercoppa, two in Coppa Italia)
- 5 draws
- 5 defeats
- Average points: 1.61
With Gabbia
- 12 wins
- 4 draws
- 7 defeats
- Average points: 1.73
Gabbia is just a hair behind Pavlo and Thiaw in the hierarchy I think, and rightfully so IMO. And I still don’t fully forgive him for Dinamo.
Pavlo is agressive and tireless but lacks football IQ. He had hand in many goals conceded when played, with latest blunder against Bologna.
The bar is always higher for Italians it seems. One mistake and that’s all people can recall. Pavlovic has made a number of errors this season, and like you said he lacks football IQ. Like Tomori, the aggression and tirelessness will eventually mean they’re out of position or will commit a silly foul that will lead to a penalty or an expulsion. Finally, that stats don’t lie and the Thiaw-Gabbia combination has been our most solid CB pair this season. That alone should end the debate.
So, you should also not forgive to Musah, Maignan, Thiaw and especially the Idiot Theo