Gabriele Zappa (born 22 December 1999) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a right-back or centre-back for club Hellas Verona, on loan from Cagliari.

Club career

Early career Zappa began his youth career at Villasanta-based COSOV aged five, before playing one year for Nuova Usmate and then for Accademia Internazionale.

Inter Milan Zappa was raised in the Inter Milan youth sector, and started playing for their under-19 squad in the 2016–17 season. On 10 April 2018, he signed his first professional contract with the club. He played several games for the senior squad in the summer 2018 pre-season, including appearances in the 2018 International Champions Cup.

On 30 January 2019, Inter agreed on his transfer to Pescara, with Pescara loaning him back to Inter for the remainder of the 2018–19 season, and Inter holding a buy-back clause. He was called-up for Inter's senior squad competitive game for the first time on 14 March 2019, for the Europa League game against Eintracht Frankfurt, but remained on the bench.

Pescara Zappa joined Pescara on a previously agreed contract for the summer 2019 pre-season. He made his Serie B debut for Pescara on 24 September 2019, in a game against Cittadella. During the match, he replaced Antonio Balzano late in the first half after the latter suffered an injury. Three days later, he made his first Serie B start, against Crotone.

Cagliari On 8 September 2020, he joined Serie A side Cagliari on loan from Pescara with an obligation to buy.

Loan to Verona On 28 August 2026, Zappa joined Verona on loan with a conditional obligation to buy for €2 million.

International career In September 2016, Zappa was first called up to represent Italy in friendly games for the under-18 squad.

Style of play Zappa is a right-back who can also play as a right-sided central defender. He is known for his attacking style and dribbling ability.

Career statistics

+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueCoppa ItaliaContinentalTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsPescara 2018–19Serie B———002019–20Serie B25510—2652020–21Serie B———00Total2551000265Inter Milan (loan)2018–19Serie A——0000Cagliari (loan) 2020–21Serie A34020—360Cagliari2021–22Serie A25030—2802022–23Serie B34320—3632023–24Serie A38120—4012024–25Serie A37230—4022025–26Serie A31020—3302026–27Serie A1000—10Total—2006140002146Verona (loan)2026–27Serie A——0000Career total193111300020611

Honours Individual Serie A Goal of the Month: November 2024

References

External links