Matteo Gabbia has admitted he did not expect to be called up to the Italy squad. And is hopeful of making his senior international debut. The

24-year-old centre-back has returned from a loan spell at Villarreal and has started the season in impressive. Form for the Rossoneri, catching the eye of Luciano Spalletti. The Milan product

has experience with the national team since under-15 level. But has never played for the senior team before and he is hoping to unlock the key in the upcoming fixture.

“I hope to make my debut, but the most important thing is to win,” Gabbia told reporters ahead of Thursday’s Nations League clash with Belgium.

“I had some hope but I did not expect to be call up. It is very special to be here. I am very proud and happy. “

Over the past few days I have been getting to know Spalletti better. We only met once when he came to Milan’s training ground, but that impressed me a lot,”

Spalletti, the former Napoli boss, told reporters. On what he likes about Gabbia: ยูฟ่าเบท http://ufabet999.app “He’s the kind of player we need. He’s shown he knows how to command a defence. “

Gabbia is a defender with great intensity and attention to detail. He plays in a high-back system and always communicates with his team-mates. “

I’m even more pleased to be called up by Milan, a club that can help the national team a lot. Even though they don’t have many Italian players at the moment.”