 He played an important role in helping Milan win their 18th Scudetto during the 2010–11 Serie A season.Abate has represented the Italian national team and the Italian U21 national team, and also played for the Italian U19 national team and the Italian U20 national team.Prior to starring for the senior team, he represented his country in the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2009 European U-21 Championship.