Born in Monza in 1999, he grew up in Inter's youth academy: in the 2017-18 season he won the league, the Italian Super Cup and the Viareggio Tournament with the Nerazzurri's "Primavera" team. In the 2019-20 season, the move to Pescara: in his first experience in a professional league, Gabriele totalized 26 matches with five goals. He has made 3 appearances with the Under-18 national team and 4 with the Under-20 team. In Cagliari since 2020, he has already collected almost 100 appearances in a red and blue jersey, and it was his assist for Pavoletti in the historic goal to come back in the Serie A, in Bari on 11th of June 2023.

Physically well-structured, fast, endowed with great running and stamina, and good technical qualities: Zappa is a defensive right-hander who also likes to push forward to close the action with precise crosses for the attackers or to make himself known in the goal area. Tactically disciplined, in his role he is among the most interesting prospects in Italian football.