“I told him to watch out!” - Riccardo Calafiori on clash with Arsenal teammate during international break
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori said he jokingly told club teammate Leandro Trossard to 'watch out' ahead of Italy’s clash with Belgium in the Nations League today (October 10). Calafiori and Trossard will be opponents today as Italy and Belgium lock horns at the Stadio Olimpico in the third group game of the Nations League.
Trossard and Calafiori currently ply their trade at Arsenal, with the latter joining in the summer transfer window. Both players have played an integral role for Arsenal, as the Gunners are yet to lose a game across competitions this term. However, international duty will see them on opposite sides.
Ahead of the clash, Calafiori was asked if he spoke with his teammate Trossard. He responded (via Mirror):
"I told him to watch out! Joking aside, he is a great player and also a great friend but I will still try to take home the three points. It is going to be a complicated match, they have strong players, as do we."
"I prefer to focus on ourselves because if we play the way we know how, then we can cause problems for any opponent. We did so well in the last two games and don’t want to stop now."
It is important to note that Italy currently sits at the top of their group standings in the Nations League with six points from two games while Belgium sits in the third position with three points.
Italy manager talks about Arsenal star ahead of clash with Belgium
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti lauded Riccardo Calafiori’s footballing ability ahead of his side’s clash with Belgium. The Italian defender has been named in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI in multiple matches this season.
Spalletti was in awe of Calafiori’s displays at the Emirates Stadium and spoke about him in a press conference this week. He said (via TBR Football):
“What concerns us is international and European football, having players who know the atmosphere we breathe and players who can explain to us what we will find in front of us in these matches. Playing in teams and certain matches like Riccardo does is fundamental for us.”
He added:
“He is good at being in the right place. His personality has helped him, he has taken on important responsibilities. He has maturity even if he is young. He has gained a lot of experience also in other areas of the field, and this completes him. It is always good to have a team order and balance. He must do his part well, and then he can add something.”
Riccrado Calafiori opened his goalscoring account for Arsenal in the 2-2 draw with City when the two sides clashed at the Etihad Stadium.