
The Football Faithful
·15 September 2025
Arsenal defender discusses difference between Serie A and Premier League fans

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·15 September 2025
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has opened up on the differences between football fans in Italy and England.
Calafiori signed for Arsenal from Bologna in 2024 and made 29 appearances during his debut season in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old has earned a regular role in Mikel Arteta’s side during the opening weeks of the new campaign, impressing during the Gunners’ start to the season.
Calafiori has discussed the differences he has found from Serie A to the Premier League. Comparing the atmospheres in the two divisions, the defender said English football feels as if ‘the whole city is behind you’.
“In Italy, the fans sing non-stop from the first to the last minute. The atmosphere is special. In England it’s different — maybe they sing less, but the whole stadium is involved,” Calafiori told Versus.
“When you score or make a big tackle, the energy hits you straight away. In Italy, it’s more about the ultras, but here it feels like the whole city is behind you.”