ROME — Riccardo Calafioli, a defender for Arsenal, revealed that over the past four months, he has received more phone calls from Italian national team coach Gennaro Gattuso than he has from his own mother. This emphasizes the coach’s commitment to engaging with his players in the lead-up to Italy’s crucial World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland.
Gattuso has traveled extensively across Italy and even visited players abroad, hosting dinners to foster team spirit as the four-time champions aim to avoid missing their third consecutive World Cup.
Strong Coach-Player Connection
Calafioli shared his experience at Italy’s training facility in Coverciano, Florence. He noted that even during a time when he was sidelined due to a muscular injury, Gattuso consistently reached out to him. “Having dinner with him was great. It gave us a chance to be together. It felt like a dinner with friends,” he recalled.
In addition to Gattuso, notable figures like national team chief Gianluigi Buffon and assistant coach Leonardo Bonucci—both former Italian players—joined the dinner in London. Calafioli mentioned, “We shared many soccer anecdotes, creating a warm atmosphere filled with stories.”
Calafioli’s Role and Recent Performances
At just 23, Calafioli is a versatile player capable of excelling as both a left-back and center-back. He played a key role in helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League before transferring to Arsenal in 2024. Fresh from recovering from a minor bruise sustained in a match against Arsenal, he is now focused on countering Northern Ireland’s set-piece threats.
“We need to be vigilant, as free kicks can significantly influence the game. Modern football sees teams closing the gap in quality,” Calafioli cautioned. He also emphasized the importance of being alert to loose balls during moments of play.
Challenges and Aspirations
Calafioli, who has recently become a staple in the Italian national squad, is regaining his fitness after a month-long rest following a strong start to the season with Arsenal. Meanwhile, Piero Hincapie has stepped up in Calafioli’s absence, continually performing well and retaining his place in the lineup.
Despite Arsenal’s setback against Manchester City in the English League Cup final, Calafioli remains optimistic. His team holds a nine-point lead over City and is in contention for the Premier League title. Yet, his sights are also set firmly on the national team’s goals.
“Playing in the World Cup has been my childhood dream, and I can’t wait for this match,” he expressed, as Italy prepares to face Northern Ireland at home in Bergamo. To secure their place in the next North American tournament, they will need not only a victory over Northern Ireland but also to overcome either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in an away match the following week.
The Azzurri faced elimination in the playoffs from Sweden and North Macedonia in the previous two World Cups, adding to the pressure. “We need to treat this match like any other. It’s crucial, and we are fully aware of the intensity surrounding it,” Calafioli concluded.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
