AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that he was unfamiliar with defender Matteo Gabbia`s capabilities before taking charge of the team. This admission comes after Gabbia received a call-up to the Italian national team for upcoming matches against Estonia and Israel.
Gabbia, who was previously included in the Azzurri squad in October 2024 without making his debut, has now earned another opportunity to represent his country.
Speaking at a press conference, Allegri stated, “I was not aware of Gabbia`s abilities before. I`ve come to realize that it`s challenging to assess a player until you actually coach them. Since working with him, I`ve discovered a young talent with significant potential for growth. He`s a responsible player with excellent qualities. We`re always pleased when one of our players gets called up to the national team.”
Under Allegri`s management, Gabbia has become a regular starter for Milan, featuring in six matches across all competitions this season.
The coach`s comments highlight the importance of hands-on experience in evaluating players and the potential for young talents to surprise even seasoned managers when given the opportunity to showcase their skills.