Calafiori fulfilled ‘childhood dream’ at Arsenal | OneFootball

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori fulfilled a ‘childhood dream’ by playing in the Champions League with Arsenal: ‘It’s an incredible feeling.’

The Italian defender joined Arsenal from Bologna last summer and has made his Champions League debut with the Gunners this season.

“It was a childhood dream of mine, and I made it come true. It’s an incredible feeling,” Calafiori said at a press conference with Italy’s national team on Wednesday via TMW.

“I prefer playing at the highest levels; Champions League, Premier League, or with the national team.”

Could his experience in England make him one of the leaders of the Azzurri dressing room?

“The Premier League is a unique competition, and it gives you a lot,” Calafiori replied.

“It won’t be easy, but we have a great group. I focus on the team more than on personal goals.”

The 22-year-old played 43 matches in Serie A before joining the Gunners, so which are the main differences between Italy’s top flight and the Premier League?

“I don’t feel like making comparisons; they are different leagues,” he admitted.

“Maybe teams there focus less on defending and more on scoring one extra goal.”

Calafiori joined Spalletti for a pre-match press conference on Wednesday on the eve of a Nations League quarter-final first leg against Germany.

The Italian defender is expected to start in Italy’s three-man defence tomorrow, joining Alessandro Bastoni and one between Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Alessandro Buongiorno.

Calafiori has scored three goals and provided two assists in 26 appearances with Arsenal this season. His contract in North London expires in June 2029.