Gabbia: ‘Red card was clear, but Milan didn’t do enough’ to win Coppa Italia Final | OneFootball

Matteo Gabbia feels that there should’ve been a red card during Milan’s Coppa Italia Final defeat to Bologna, but also admits they ‘didn’t do enough’ to win.

The defender was on the losing side at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome this evening, as Dan Ndoye got the only goal at the 53rd minute.

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“We are disappointed with the way the game went and it’s difficult to find the right words,” Gabbia told Sport Mediaset.

“There is disappointment, regret, because this is a negative season for us. It was a bad night that could’ve been wonderful if we’d just done better.

“We knew Bologna pressed man for man, which has created problems not just for us, but many teams this season. We could’ve and should’ve done better. In these situations, you also must have the strength to say well done to the opponents.”

Gabbia recognises Milan struggles this season

ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Luka Jovic, Francesco Camarda, Santiago Gimenez, Matteo Gabbia and Strahinja Pavlovic of AC Milan look dejected after the team’s defeat in the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Bologna are now qualified for the Europa League thanks to this Coppa Italia success, whereas Milan risk not managing to even get into the Conference League, as they sit eighth in Serie A.

“At this moment there’s not much energy left, we gave all we had on the field and it wasn’t enough. Now we have two games left to end the season with dignity and pride.

“Once the campaign is over, we’ll evaluate, but as of today it’s undeniable. Nobody can say this has been a positive season.”

Milan protested at some refereeing decisions

ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Referee Maurizio Mariani reacts during the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

There were some controversial refereeing decisions just before half-time that infuriated Milan players, who wanted Lewis Ferguson to be shown a red card for his sliding tackle on Rafael Leao rather than a yellow.

They also argued that Sam Beukema deserved a dismissal for elbowing Gabbia in the ribs during their tussle at a corner moments earlier.

“I don’t want to comment, it’s superfluous now,” noted the defender when shown the footage.

“I think it is pretty clear, but it changes nothing for us. We’ve got to think about the things we should’ve done better, which is why this evening is a disappointment and we return to Milan empty-handed.”