Gabriele Corbo returns to CF Montreal

Gabriele Corbo is back with CF Montreal. 

The Canadian MLS team secured the return of Corbo, signing the Italian defender on a permanent transfer from Serie A side Bologna after a previous loan. He joins on a two-year deal through the 2024 campaign with an additional option for 2025. 

“We are very happy to have Gabriele back with us, but this time permanently,” CFMTL vice-president and chief sporting officer Olivier Renard said in a press release.

“He showed great things with us last season and his return will add to the competition within the squad. He will now have the chance to establish himself in Montreal.”

Corbo initially joined the team for the 2022 MLS campaign on loan, making 14 appearances before returning to the Serie A club. Under then-manager Wilfried Nancy, the defender managed 13 interceptions while accumulating an 85.9% pass completion percentage as Montreal finished with a franchise-best 65 points to reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

He now returns to feature under new head coach Hernan Losada, who replaced Nancy after he joined the Columbus Crew. 

The Canadian side could use Corbo, after a disappointing start to the campaign. The team currently sit in 13th place of the Eastern Conference table with just three points in four games and a record of 1W-3L-0D. After losing the first three games of the season, Montreal finally managed a dramatic 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Philadelphia Union on Matchday 4. 

Montreal returns to action on Saturday, April 1 when visiting Canadian rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place.