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Riccardo Calafiori believes English football is for ‘entertainment’ and not defending

Italian international Riccardo Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna this summer after a successful season in Serie A last year.

Bologna qualified for the Champions League under Thiago Motta, and Calafiori was one of the standout players during the campaign. Arsenal paid £42million for the defender, who was arguably Italy’s best player at EURO 2024.

Calafiori has had a strong start to the season and even netted his first goal for the gunners against Premier League holders Manchester City.

The Italian believes moving to England means that he has reached a higher level of performance in the eyes of everyone.

“My life and career changed with no forewarning in the last three or four months. I feel more responsibility, but I like it because it means that I’m doing well and that everybody expects a lot from me.”

Riccardo Calafiori on the difference between England and Italy

Despite only being in England for a few months, the defender has learned what sets the Premier League apart from Serie A football:

“It’s very different, for instance, the intensity in training and during matches. Every game is hard-fought no matter the level of the opponents. Nobody focuses too much on defending, so it’s more entertaining to follow.”

Calafiori also drew parallels between Mikel Arteta’s coaching style and Luciano Spalletti, the Italian national team coach.

“Their common trait is that they want to dominate the play through their style. I agree with their approach. It’s better to face opponents that way without suffering too much in the back.”

Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli said he was shocked that no club in Seria A was willing to sign Calafiori, leaving the door for Arsenal:

“He’s a regret for the whole Italian football, not only Juventus. We must think about the fact that we didn’t have the strength to keep a player of his level in Italy. All big teams signed a defender, but not him.”

Italian defender is making waves at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has been a big fan of Riccardo Calafiori since he arrived at the club. His performance against Manchester City really showed the level of quality Arsenal added to the team this summer according to Arteta.

“He’s really good, he’s adapted really well to the group, his understanding is exceptional and you see he’s a player with an enormous courage and personality to play, so he’s going to give us a lot.”

Riccardo Calafiori is on international duty with Italy, who drew 2-2 to Belgium in the Nations League on Thursday night. The Azurri face Israel next.