Gabriele Zappa, the right-back for Cagliari, is reflecting on his recent standout performance against AC Milan, where he scored a stunning brace that helped secure a thrilling 3-3 draw. “I still can’t believe it,” he admitted to Gazzetta dello Sport. “Sara, my partner, says I was electric, super agitated on Saturday night. And when I woke up in the morning, I found a message from Gabbia, the Milan defender who’s a friend, saying ‘Damn you, but congratulations.'”
Zappa has been a consistent presence for Cagliari since joining from Pescara in September 2020. He has made 109 appearances in Serie A and 34 in Serie B. “Maybe to get to the top, I’ll have to score another brace like this… But I certainly don’t feel undervalued,” he said. “On the contrary, this consideration from the coaches gives me confidence and strength.”
With his contract set to expire in June, Zappa expressed his desire to stay with Cagliari: “I would be happy to renew with Cagliari. It’s a land I love now. Five years mean a lot. I’ve experienced a billion emotions. I bought a house here, not in Milan, in a central area.”
He also shared his affection for the region and its people: “I love the sea and sun that are here all year round. The fans show attachment; the club is like a big family.” Zappa emphasized the importance of loyalty after Cagliari’s relegation two years ago: “We were in debt. We felt at fault. And we came back up.”
Reflecting on his growth as a player under former coach Claudio Ranieri, Zappa noted: “He was a great person who helped me improve defensively. Today I really feel like a full-back.” He also mentioned his current coach Davide Nicola: “We’re following him to the letter. With him, we’re working a lot on a mental level.”
When asked about Cagliari’s chances of avoiding relegation this season, Zappa was optimistic: “That’s what we want at all costs. Every year it’s more difficult. This year there are more teams involved and the difference between big and small has narrowed a bit.” He added that the team’s positive attitude makes a difference: “We go to the field with a smile; this can make the difference.”
Zappa celebrated his recent success with family and friends: “My dad came to the stadium from Villasanta. We went up together to Milan afterward. My mom regretted not being there.” As he looks ahead, Zappa is focused on both personal growth and team success: “I always think about improving myself.”
