Calafiori ‘can’t wait’ for Italy’s play-off: ‘Anything can happen’ at World Cup
Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori ‘can’t wait to get to Coverciano’ to prepare for Italy’s World Cup play: ‘If we go to America, anything can happen.’
Arsenal defender Calafiori spoke about the upcoming Italy challenge in the World Cup play-off during an interview with Sport Week.
The 23-year-old has only made 12 appearances for the Italy national team, having made his Azzurri debut less than two years ago, yet he’s one of the stars included by Gattuso in his 28-man squad.
Calafiori made his Azzurri debut under Luciano Spalletti just a few weeks before the beginning of Euro 2024 and was arguably one of the best Italy players in the tournament.
“There was a lot of competition for that position. I hoped for a call-up, but I didn’t know what would happen,” said the Arsenal defender.
“In just a few days, I made my debut, and I became a starter at the Euros. A fantastic feeling. My friends in Rome watched me on the giant screens, and the country rooted for us.”
Calafiori scored an own goal in a 1-0 loss against Spain in the group phase, but provided the assist for Mattia Zaccagni’s late leveller in the final match against Croatia, allowing the Azzurri to qualify for the Round of 16.
“The own goal bothered me a little, but when I returned to the pitch against Croatia, I was very serene,” Calafiori said.
“I wanted to redeem myself. I did so with that assist for Zaccagni, and we managed to qualify for the Round of 16. It was the strongest emotion of my career.”
Italy will begin preparations for the World Cup play-off on Monday. How does Calafiori feel?
“Positive, we are pumped up, and we have a great desire to go to the World Cup,” he replied.
“I can’t wait to get to Coverciano to spend time with my teammates. Our history says that if we manage to be a united group, we can play on par with anyone. If we go to America, anything can happen.
“If we play as we know we can, we’ll go to the World Cup. On paper, we are superior, and we must only believe in our means,” Calafiori continued.
“There’s always a bit of negativity around, but I’m certain that the fans will be on the same page as us. The target is within reach; we must be united.”
Italy will play Northern Ireland in the semifinal on March 26 and if they progress to the final, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Calafiori has now reunited in London with Edoardo Bove, who joined Watford in the January window.
“We live in the same building. Arsenal and Watford’s training centres are next to each other, so Edo looked for a home in the same area. I think it’s destiny. Once together in the Roma youth sector, now neighbours in London.
“A few days ago, I hugged him and touched his subcutaneous defibrillator. It felt a bit strange, but he’s calm and eager to take on the world. I’m so happy for Edo.”