It was an unexpected debut with a substitution onto the field in the imposing atmosphere of San Siro that was still on edge. Yet Matteo Gabbia did not waver, knowing how to respond to Pioli’s call up in an exemplary fashion at the end of the first half when the Dane Kjaer got injured.

This was a first Serie A appearance for the 1999 class produced by AC Milan’s youth academy. Good reading of the game and good feet are his distinguishing attributes, proven by his past as a central midfielder. He’s shown his quality in the youth national teams: having been a key player from the U15s to Nicolato’s U21s and gaining important experience as captain of the Azzurrini in the U20 World Cup third-place play-off against Ecuador.

The tactical turning point occurred on loan at Lucchese last season where Favarin backed him to be at the centre of his defence, which led to 29 appearances. Now he has made the final step, his debut in the Italian top flight wearing the colours he has always loved. He provided a fully convincing performance that earned him praise from Ibrahimovic, which the young Rossoneri defender recounted after the game.