Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has expressed his satisfaction with his new tactical role in the Italian national team under coach Gennaro Gattuso. As Italy prepares for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Estonia, Calafiori believes the team cannot afford to miss another World Cup tournament.
In a recent interview, Calafiori explained his position`s evolution: “While I`m technically a full-back, I`m currently enjoying a more flexible role. When given the freedom to play with awareness, I can maximize my contribution to the team.”
The young defender praised Gattuso`s training methods, noting the high intensity and the team`s developing identity. “The training sessions are more demanding than I anticipated, which should benefit us greatly at the international level where every team is challenging,” Calafiori remarked.
Reflecting on Italy`s recent performance against Israel, Calafiori acknowledged the need for improvement: “We need to be more alert to potential dangers, myself included.”
Looking ahead to Italy`s World Cup qualification campaign, Calafiori emphasized the importance of restoring national pride. “As representatives of Italy, it`s unthinkable for us to miss another World Cup. The past two absences were painful, and we`re determined to prevent that from happening again,” he stated firmly.
At 23, Calafiori has quickly become a key player in Gattuso`s squad, offering versatility in both central defense and wider positions. His performances for Arsenal this season have garnered praise across Europe, with his composure in possession becoming a hallmark of Italy`s evolving style under Gattuso`s leadership.