Gabbia: “It has been a great week, the forwards were huge for us defensively, I hope Theo and Maignan stay with us” | OneFootball

Matteo Gabbia and Paulo Fonseca during Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

Matteo Gabbia capped off a great week for him with a clean sheet which followed a contract renewal.

Milan’s defence this season has been a topic of conversation and much criticism but tonight they recorded their second clean sheet in two Serie A games, beating Empoli 3-0 at Stadio San Siro.

It was a convincing performance from Milan, who scored through Álvaro Morata (19′) and Tijjani Reijnders (44′, 69′), as they didn’t let Empoli too many chances and the three points never seemed in danger.

“It’s been a great week,” Gabbia, who on Thursday extended his contract with Milan until 2029, told MilanTV. “I have to say I was more focused on this game, I brought something extra because once you’ve got something good going you don’t want it to end. Today’s game was crucial for me and the side to send a message, also to ourselves, to have the right approach, to have the right focus and determination to get the win.”

The players celebrating at the end of Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Milan are doing well defensively at San Siro in the league this season…“We’re working very hard with the Coach to improve in defence, I’d like to spare a word for the forwards tonight who were also huge for us defensively. It all started with them. Tonight, Rafa, Morata, Chukwu, Musah, Pulisic were all huge for us. Also Camarda off the bench, Tammy… I don’t want to forget anyone but it’s also all down to them. It’s right to praise them when we kept a clean sheet.”

How is the partnership with Thiaw progressing?“I think Malick is incredibly strong, but he didn’t prove that just today. His history has always shown a very solid player with great technical ability – I was completely calm whenever he played. He, like Fik and Pavlović, possesses very important qualities. I’m not surprised by his performances; for me, this is just normal for him.”

There’s a Coppa Italia match against Sassuolo coming up on Tuesday…“There’s a lot of determination. It’s a tough match against a Serie B team, but one that has the quality of a higher division. It’s a game we need to approach with seriousness. The Coppa Italia is a goal we want to try and win.”

Matteo Gabbia during Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

Speaking to DAZN, Gabbia said: “I’m very happy with today’s match. The focus was back on the game, and I’m pleased with our approach. We followed the coach’s instructions, and I’m happy with the win.”

Ambrosini had kind words for you…“That certainly means a lot because it’s coming from someone I respect deeply and used to watch in that Milan team from the stands. It’s truly an honour. I want to emphasize that it’s not just me in defence – there are many teammates doing an amazing job. Emerson was crucial, Malick had a great game, and even those who are playing less but are decisive in training. We train very hard during the week, and everyone stays focused. The credit for not conceding goes to all my teammates, not just me.”

Who is your ideal defensive partner?“The coach has already addressed this. He selects players based on who he thinks is most suitable for each match. This year, we have a quartet of centre-backs who push each other and work well together. The coach looks for the best solution depending on the game. I feel good and confident with all my defensive partners. Except for Pavlović, I’ve been playing with the others for years, but even Pavlović has integrated well and performs whenever he plays.”

Milan and Empoli players before Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

In the mixed-zone, Gabibia was asked about Fonseca’s words about him: “I’m very happy with the coach’s words. He’s the one who gives us input and feedback on what we do. As for the renewal, I’m really pleased -you all know how much it meant to me. And today’s match adds continuity to some really great days for me.”

Is this the right system?“We showed a different solidity compared to other occasions. But the important thing is to praise and thank our attackers, who give us a lot of help.”

What do you think of Camarda?“It’s not up to me to say. You can see it from the things he tries, like the overhead kick today—these are things that come naturally to him. He always trains with the right mindset: that’s the path he needs to stay on. We take care of him, we keep him close, and we hope he can bring us joy in the future.”

Matteo Gabbia and Devis Vásquez at the end of Milan-Empoli at Stadio San Siro on November 30, 2024. (@acmilan.com)

Do you still believe in the Scudetto?“We have the opportunity in our hands to make this season important and special.”

Will teammates like Theo and Maignan follow your example and renew?“I really hope so, considering the teammates I have. It’s not my decision, but I sincerely hope they can stay with us for many more years. From what I see, everyone here is happy. I just try to give my best during training and do what comes naturally to me. If these things inspire my teammates, that makes me really happy.”