VIDEO | One-on-one with Gabriele Zappa
On the day of the official announcement of his renewal with Cagliari until 2030, Gabriele Zappa shares his emotions with the Club’s official channels. A journey made up of beautiful moments and challenges to face, unforgettable milestones and difficulties, leading to the present where he is part of the core group of the Rossoblù team.
SPECIAL FEELINGS
“I’m excited. After five years spent here on the Island, my story with Cagliari continues. People would stop me in the street asking about the renewal, and I couldn’t say too much. Now, I can finally enjoy this satisfaction.”
ROSSOBLÙ JOURNEY
“When I arrived in the summer of 2020, I didn’t have many expectations; I just wanted to work every day to earn my spot. Everything seemed wonderful at first, I started playing as a starter, but then football – as I always say – is very fast: there was a moment when I lost my place, the following year we were relegated, and I had to react together with my teammates until the triumph in Bari. But I’ve always looked ahead, that’s my guiding principle.”
KEY MOMENTS
“I will never forget the 2021 survival, my first one. The celebration in the hotel before playing in Milan, we all went out into the hallway to hug each other, it was a very emotional moment. Another special moment was my first goal with Cagliari, in Serie B, a 4-1 win over Ascoli – a goal that felt like redemption in a match of rebirth for all of us after months of hardship. And then the assist in Bari for Pavoletti’s goal, which still gets thanked for by many in Cagliari and beyond, not to mention the brace against Milan, of course. I’m convinced that the future still has something unforgettable in store for me.”
WORK ETHIC
“I like to be described as someone who never gives up, who believes in hard work. I feel I’ve improved a lot since I arrived, but I also feel I can still do more. Every day is a good day to grow in some way, and there’s always something new to learn.”
ESSENTIAL SUPPORT
“My family, my loved ones, are the real strength that drives me, especially in difficult moments. When things are going well, you have many people around you, but when it gets tough, you realize who truly cares for you. Sara, my partner, motivates and inspires me every day; I owe her so much, and I want to take this opportunity to thank her.”
SECOND HOME
“It wasn’t a given that I would stay here for a long time. Football is full of daily evolutions, but I’m very happy to have tied myself to Sardinia and Cagliari. I’ve built really solid relationships, meeting people I consider important to me, and I’ve discovered a wonderful land. I enjoy being with the people, interacting with the fans after the match or during the week. Even after the win against Lecce, I stopped to talk with some guys who traveled over two hundred kilometers just to see the game. That’s how I’ve gained a lot of affection over the years, and now and then, a piece of Sardinian cheese and sausage (laughs, ed.)”
PILLAR OF THE TEAM
“I like this responsibility of being one of the more experienced players in the group. I’m kind of a bridge between the veterans and the younger ones, and it’s important to offer advice to those with less experience, especially when they ask for it. We wear a shirt that carries a lot of weight, one that an entire fanbase around the world is passionate about, so everyone has to do their part.”
