Calafiori explains why he didn’t text Chiesa after first EPL goal for Liverpool | OneFootball

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori reveals that he didn’t text his compatriot Federico Chiesa after seeing him score his first Liverpool goal in the Premier League: ‘I didn’t want to jump on the bandwagon when things are going well.’

Both Calafiori and Chiesa scored on their 2025-26 Premier League debut this past weekend, contributing to Arsenal and Liverpool’s victories.

Chiesa netted a late winner in Liverpool’s 4-2 victory against Bournemouth on Friday, while Calafiori scored the only goal of the game at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Sunday.

Special Manchester for Italy star Calafiori

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Declan Rice during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“It was hard to start better than this. One goal and three points at Old Trafford,” Calafiori told Sky Sport Italia.

There’s something special in Manchester for Calafiori as, last year, the Italian defender scored his first-ever Premier League goal in an away game at Manchester City.

Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal scores against Manchester City FC (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“I thought about it yesterday, when I arrived here,” he admitted.

“There’s something here that helps me play better and score goals. Last year’s goal was better, but maybe this is even more important.”

Calafiori was asked whether he texted Chiesa after seeing him score a crucial goal for Liverpool.

Why Calafiori didn’t text Chiesa after Liverpool goal

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“I can send it now. He had a tough season last year, and we never spoke, so I didn’t want to jump on the bandwagon when things are going well,” the defender said.

“We knew each other during the latest Euros. We didn’t talk much, but he’s a very good guy, and I hope he can play consistently. Maybe not too much, because we want to win the Premier League, but I hope to see him soon with the national team.”

Chiesa has not played for Italy national team for over a year, making his most recent appearance in the Euro 2024 Round of 16, in which the Azzurri were eliminated by Switzerland.