[13] After representing her country at under-21 level on 5 occasions, Gabbiadini made her senior debut for Italy on 16 April 2003, in a 5–0 away friendly win over the Netherlands.

[14] Included in the squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2005 in North West England,[15] she scored twice in a 5–3 defeat to Norway as Italy made a group stage exit.

[17] After scoring two goals in the group stage against Denmark[18] and hosts Sweden,[19] she played the entire match in the Italians' 1–0 quarter-final defeat to perennial champions Germany.

[25] A quick forward and a prolific goalscorer, Gabbiadini was known for her technical ability and her pace on the ball, and was often deployed as a winger or as a main striker.

[4][27] Gabbiadini's participation at UEFA Women's Euro 2017 was widely noted by Dutch viewers due to her striking resemblance to former professional footballer Wim Kieft, who coincidentally played in the Italian Serie A around the time of her conception.