Mazzara credits Gabbia for leadership abilities after Estupinan red card: “Worthy”

Matteo Gabbia, for many, is the natural captain whenever he needs to be for AC Milan. However, the armband could become his in the future.

Since his return, there has been significant credit given to Gabbia, and rightly so. The Italian has always been there to put in performances, even when others around him have fallen below standards.

He represents what Milan fans want to see. Passion and courage for the Rossoneri, something which only a fan can deliver and urge from his teammates. Something of a captain. Last night, with their backs against the wall, the Italian did so.

Gabbia’s performance

A red card in the instances of last night’s game could have easily seen Napoli overturn the two-goal deficit and win the game. However, they didn’t. Leaders stepped up, both new and old. However, Pietro Mazzara took notice of Gabbia, especially, in his editorial for MilanNews this morning.

“It’s the end of September, and Milan has lost only one match. An important journey, which can rightly lead to easy enthusiasm, but that’s precisely what needs to be curbed. Last night’s victory against Napoli is certainly a significant step towards securing Champions League football.

“Let’s not mention the word Scudetto, please, because the road is still long, very long, and there will still be difficulties. But the truth, emerging from the chaos at San Siro, is that this Milan is increasingly becoming an important team.

Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

“A team built on a very strong defensive line, where perhaps the absolute value of the players isn’t as high as other squads, but everyone believes in what they’re doing and does it with absolute ferocity and a concentration not seen in a long time. An example? Matteo Gabbia after Estupinan’s red card.

“What did he do? He took his teammates individually and urged them not to give up and to stay focused on the objective.

“It was a gesture worthy of a leader, one that fits in with a group of other leaders, because Luka Modric was a shining example of what it means to be connected via 5G during the match and within what’s on offer. Just like Adrien Rabiot, who is a sort of on-field extension of Massimiliano Allegri.”

His words would be echoed by many Milanisti. After all, Cage is one of them. A Rossonero.