Calafiori: Every word Italy star said on Germany, Serie A and Spalletti | OneFootball

Italy and Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori spoke at a press conference on the eve of the Nations League quarter-finals first leg against Germany at San Siro.

Here’s the full transcript of the press conference, as reported by TMW.

How do you feel playing on the left in a three-man defence, and what will be needed against Germany?

“I feel great playing with both Di Lorenzo and Bastoni or with anyone else. The coach asks us to help the team in both phases, and we try our best. We are preparing for this match. Italy vs. Germany is never just another game. It’s definitely very important. I have many memories: I think of the World Cup semifinal or the European Championship one. Even when we didn’t win, we always gave our all.”

Do you think you can become a leader of this national team, also thanks to your experience in the Premier League?

“The Premier League is a unique competition, and it gives you a lot. It won’t be easy, but we have a great group. I focus on the team more than on personal goals.”

Is it true that the Premier League is more intense than Serie A?

“I don’t feel like making comparisons; they are different leagues. Maybe teams there focus less on defending and more on scoring one extra goal.”

Spalletti admitted he was a bit too intense at the Euros. What kind of coach did you find in the Nations League?

“You should ask him… I just know that we’ve started this new cycle and feel good. The team is young, we have a great bond, and some of us have known each other for a long time. I think the difference compared to the Euros was visible on the pitch.”

What has changed practically and in terms of atmosphere compared to last summer?

“I don’t know, the psychological pressure at the Euros was normal. In my opinion, we accepted the tough defeat, and that first match against France was crucial. We have improved a lot, and tomorrow will be an important test to see where we stand.”

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – MARCH 04: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s seventh goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between PSV and Arsenal FC at PSV Stadion on March 04, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

How much has playing in the Champions League helped you grow?

“It was a childhood dream of mine, and I made it come true. It’s an incredible feeling. I prefer playing at the highest levels; Champions League, Premier League, or with the national team.”

You said you’d like to learn to play other roles. Which one interests you the most?

“I mentioned midfield. I was referring to that. It’s not necessarily a goal, but it’s about being able to do as many things as possible in the best way. That’s crucial in modern football.”

One of the lasting images from the Euros was Zaccagni’s goal. How many times have you rewatched it, and what were you thinking in that moment?

“The emotion was immense, probably the greatest I’ve ever felt in my career, considering what had happened before and the importance of that moment. I’ve watched it many times, but what still gives me chills are the emotions on the big screens. It’s something that represents the national team, a feeling you don’t get with a club. I don’t remember exactly what I was thinking. I just knew it was the last play, and I gave it everything. And Mattia scored an incredible, difficult, and crucial goal.”

What kind of game should we expect tomorrow?

“I’ve said it before. It will never be just another match. I don’t know exactly what kind of game to expect, as both teams are missing a few players. It’s an important test, and we definitely want to win to qualify for the Nations League finals.”

What do the Germans struggle with when facing Italy?

“I don’t know. Too many things have changed over the years. I really can’t say. Maybe they’ve always had a bit of arrogance, that sense of superiority, and perhaps we’ve brought them back down to earth. But every game is different. We stay humble and focus on giving our best.”