Giovanni Fabbian opened up about the shining season at Bologna, what it would take for him to return to Inter and the influence of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
The 21-year-old Italian midfielder joined Thiago Motta’s side from the Nerazzurri last summer in a deal worth around €5m, giving him the chance for more regular playing time. The Milanese club hold a €12m buy-back clause, allowing them to bring him back if needed.
Fabbian has impressed as part of Bologna’s Cinderella story this season, scoring five goals and providing two assists across 21 Serie A matches, showing his might in the second half of the campaign. Some recent reports claimed Inter are considering activating the buy-back clause this summer.
Fabbian talks
Speaking on pages 70 to 77 of today’s SportWeek, Fabbian first discussed his evolving role on the pitch.
“I started as a striker, then full-back and central defender. I played a bit in all roles, except as a goalkeeper. Actually, yes, only once, with their first shot they scored, and it was my fault.
“I immediately said enough. They moved me to midfield when I was 13 or 14 years old, I had grown a lot in height, and they decided that that would be my role.”
He was asked if Wilfried Gnonto was his closest friend in football.
“There are others, but I’m particularly attached to him (Gnonto, ed.). Great family, he’s strong on the pitch and fun off it. We were classmates at boarding school.”
Fabbian remembered his experiences with Reggina under Pippo Inzaghi.
“Fantastic. Beautiful. Inzaghi let me play, he gave me a lot of valuable advice, he publicly had good words towards me. We’re still in touch.”
He was also asked what Thiago Motta told him to improve this season.
“Eh, these are things between the two of us and they must stay between the two of us. But it’s true that, on our first phone call, he clarified to me what he thought I should improve on.”
Fabbian spoke about Bologna’s shining season.
“Yes, we are a team that always try to find the solution to get out of our own half of the pitch with the ball on the ground. It’s a choice that presupposes the assumption of responsibility. It’s nice to play for Bologna and it’s nice to see us play.”
He commented on what it would take for a move to a big club like Inter.
“For a young player, the important thing is to play, with the possibility of making mistakes.”
Finally, Fabbian highlighted the two best players in his role.
“Barella, for his personality and because he knows how to do many things. Bellingham, because he has extraordinary technical qualities.”