Bove reveals precious Calafiori advice for an Italian in London | OneFootball

Watford’s Edoardo Bove reveals he is neighbours with Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori, who gave him some precious advice on living in London as an Italian.

The pair grew up together as part of the Roma youth academy, and remained good friends over many years, including on international duty with Italy at youth level.

Calafiori moved to England for Arsenal in the summer of 2024, and Bove followed to Watford in January after a cardiac implant made it impossible for him to continue his career in Serie A.

Bove boosted by Calafiori presence

Edoardo Bove (l) and Riccardo Calafiori (r) during their Roma youth team days (picture @richycala via Instagram story)

“It’s incredible considering that London is an immense city, but destiny saw us become neighbours,” Bove told the crowd at the Festival dello Sport event in Trento.

“Having a friend so close and present in my life really helped me to settle in. I was always fond of London, but he gave me such a big hand in getting to know the city.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 21: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Riccardo Calafiori during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Did Calafiori give Bove any particular advice about navigating life in London?

“Yes, don’t eat Italian food!” laughed the Watford man.

“Apart from very few trusted places, it’s all fake!”

BURSA, TURKEY – SEPTEMBER 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy looks on as he sits on the bench before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and Italy at Atatürk Spor Kompleksi Matli Stadyumu on September 28, 2026 in Bursa, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Bove has made seven appearances so far this season in the Watford jersey between the Championship and the Carabao Cup.

Calafiori is fresh from winning the Premier League for Arsenal and is currently part of the senior Italy squad preparing for tomorrow’s Nations League match against Turkiye.