“Calafiori reveals surprising conversation with Gattuso about the Italian national team.”

Riccardo Calafiori, a rising star of Italian football, is set to take the field against Northern Ireland in the crucial World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final this Thursday. The Arsenal defender, full of optimism, humorously remarked, “I’ve spoken more with Gattuso than with my mother in the past few months,” highlighting the intense communication and support he has received from the national team coach.

In a press conference in Coverciano, Calafiori addressed concerns about his physical condition after experiencing some discomfort in Arsenal’s recent 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the English League Cup final. “I feel good. We’ll see today on the pitch, but I’m fine. In such a delicate moment, the key is to always live in the present, enjoy every moment, and focus on one game at a time,” he stated, showing confidence ahead of the crucial encounter.

Italy faces Northern Ireland in a match of high importance that could pave the way for World Cup qualification, with a potential final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Calafiori emphasized that the team is focused on its own performance. “Honestly, as I’ve always said, I prefer to focus on us; it’s not the time to think about the opponents; it depends more on us,” he affirmed.

The player also emphasized the importance of set pieces, a well-known strength of the Northern Ireland team: “In set pieces, I think we need to be very focused, especially defensively. We know they can be dangerous in those situations.” Calafiori warned of the need for maximum attention throughout the game: “As soon as they have the ball, they will try to play that way. The only way is to try to avoid that type of play as much as possible.”

After two seasons at Arsenal, Calafiori reflected on the differences between Italian and English football. “There’s a lot of talk about the Premier League, but in the end, it’s only us [Arsenal] who are there [in the Champions League],” he commented. He further added: “The biggest difference is mainly in the intensity of training and matches. In the Premier League, the real training is the game, especially in a team like ours that plays twice a week.”

Despite Italy’s defensive struggles, having conceded nine goals in six games under Gattuso, Calafiori remains calm. “It’s not the main problem… we shouldn’t think about the past, but stay united in these days and achieve the result that we all want,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of unity.

Calafiori also spoke about his relationship with Gattuso, who has been an important figure during difficult times. “I appreciated the coach’s attitude a lot. I’ve spoken more with him than with my mother in the last few months,” he said, recalling a recent dinner with teammates that strengthened the team spirit. “It felt like a night among friends. We talked about football and other things.”

As anticipation grows for the game, Calafiori highlighted the collective mentality of the team. “Because we all want the same thing… I like to think positively,” he stated, acknowledging the significance of the moment. “This week could bring happiness and take us to the World Cup in America; it’s the only thing I’m thinking about.”

With 29 games played this season and his debut for the senior national team just before Euro 2024, Calafiori wants to seize the opportunity. “There are millions of people watching us, but I see that as an opportunity… This is something we have dreamed of since we were kids. I can’t wait to play this game,” he concluded.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.