Gabriele Zappa-Cagliari Calcio, the union is sanctioned until June 30, 2030. "Strong attachment to the Island, which has become his second home, a special bond with the fans: Zappa is an authentic example of dedication, perseverance and desire to always improve," writes the club in a note.

Born in Monza, class of 1999, raised in the Inter youth team, Zappa played his first season in the professional ranks of Pescara (2019-20), to begin his journey in rossoblù the following season. He made his debut with Cagliari on September 20, 2020 in the away draw against Sassuolo: in the 2020-21 championship he collected a total of 34 games and 4 assists.

Two consecutive seasons in Serie A, then a new challenge: to give his contribution to immediately bring the team back to the top division. He will succeed as a protagonist: among the key men of the defense, after three goals - including the first in rossoblù, scored in the 4-1 home victory against Ascoli - on June 11, 2023 in Bari, playoff final, he is the architect in the 94th minute of play of one of the most iconic assists in the history of the Club. The perfect cross for Pavoletti is worth Serie A.

Last season Zappa confirmed his growth, carving out an important role in the conquest of salvation, always on the pitch in the 38 league games, also embellished by 1 goal, the first in Serie A, in the 2-1 victory against Genoa and 3 winning passes. Among the team captains - 165 games with Cagliari - in this first part of the championship he was among the players in the squad who totaled the most minutes: he started in the starting eleven in all 21 games, used both as a third of defense and as a winger in a back four, with the license to break forward to support the offensive phase.

Memorable is the brace he scored against Milan at Unipol Domus on November 9, the first of his career: the goal that made it 3-3 – a right-foot volley that went in under the top corner – is already on the list of the best goals of Serie A 2024-25.

(Online Union)