“They hurt” – Calafiori reacts after Italy fans jeer team off the pitch

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·27 September 2026

“They hurt” – Calafiori reacts after Italy fans jeer team off the pitch

Riccardo Calafiori has admitted that being booed by Italy supporters hurt after the Azzurri suffered a 2-0 Nations League defeat to Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Arsenal defender has endured a difficult year with his country after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

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Calafiori was among those criticised following that painful failure, while he later revealed that he found the World Cup itself difficult to watch because of the disappointment of Italy missing out.

That frustration has clearly not disappeared.

Calafiori responds after Italy supporters turn on team

According to Football Italia, Italy were jeered off at full-time after Roberto Mancini’s second spell in charge began with a defeat.

Calafiori did not hide from the criticism and acknowledged that Italy still have plenty of work to do.

He said:

“They hurt, because at times I felt the passion of the crowd. We’ve got to do better, we all know that, starting from the next match.”

The defender also felt there had been some positive moments despite the result, but admitted Italy had left gaps and conceded two avoidable goals.

Calafiori playing for Italy

Arsenal star facing another test with Italy

Calafiori remains one of the most important players in the national setup, but the pressure around Italy is understandably intense after their World Cup disappointment.

For the Arsenal man, the challenge now is to help his country respond while also returning to North London in good condition once the international break ends.

His comments suggest the boos were felt personally, but there is also an acceptance that supporters expect far more from a nation with Italy’s history.

Do you think the criticism of Italy has gone too far, or are supporters right to demand much better after missing another World Cup? Let us know in the comments.

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