Matteo Gabbia’s agent takes aim at Milan over lack of playing time; Stats prove him right | OneFootball

Milan defender Matteo Gabbia’s agent has given a scathing statement to the media about the player’s lack of playing time.

Tullio Tinti, who is also the agent of Inter manager Simone Inzaghi and defender Alessandro Bastoni, criticised the Rossoneri for not giving Gabbia a fair chance, in an interview given to Radio Sportiva (via calciomercato). “Milan renewed him (Gabbia) a few months ago, but being Italian he always has to convince the coaches while the others come and give him the shirt, he should have a little more consideration: he has shown that he is Milan-worthy and has the attitude of a Milan-worthy player”, Tinti said. Stats suggest that he might have a fair point in this tirade. Gabbia has played 23 times this season but minutes have been a lot more difficult to come by, since Sergio Conceciao took over in December.

Since then, Gabbia has only played 513 minutes in over two months. While the 25 year old started the season as backup, midway through it he established himself a starter alongside Malick Thiaw. The duo were averaging a goal conceded every 220 minutes, by far the best of any centre back partnership that Milan have tried.

However since the Portuguese manager took over, the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Strinhja Pavlovic have gained a lot more prominence. Gabbia was rewarded for his performances in November with a new contract upto 2029. He even took the captain’s armband on occasion and earned a call up to the Italian national team.

Kaulik Mitra | GIFN