Calafiori: ‘Spalletti and Arteta both take the initiative’ | OneFootball

Riccardo Calafiori discusses what unites Italy coach Luciano Spalletti with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ahead of the Nations League match against Belgium. ‘They both take the initiative.’

It kicks off on Thursday at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The Nazionale already have a three-point cushion at the top of their Nations League group thanks to victories over France and Israel, and their next fixture is on Monday evening against Israel at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.

Arsenal defender Calafiori was picked for the press conference and it is because he knows this stadium so well, being a native Roman who grew up in the Roma youth academy.

“Playing here certainly gives me something extra and I will try to make the most of that on the field. I am so happy to be playing in front of my friends and family,” said the former Bologna star.

He flew out early to be in the stands for Bologna’s Serie A match with Parma at the Stadio Dall’Ara at the weekend.

“Last season was the first time I really felt important for a club and a whole city, so I have wonderful memories of my time at Bologna. I felt like visiting and was pleased to get that opportunity.”

Calafiori adapting to Arsenal

The 22-year-old now has one goal in eight competitive appearances for Arsenal.

“The Premier League is very different to Serie A, so it’s always good to learn to play with a different style and tempo. I hope that I can set an example for other young players to follow.

“The biggest thing I noticed after the Euros was without doubt the difference in the intensity of training and games. Every game is hard-fought, nobody thinks about defending and that makes it more entertaining.”

Are there many similarities between Arteta and Spalletti’s style of football?

“That’s a complicated question. The constant between them is that both try to dominate games with their approach and I agree with that too, it is better to take the initiative.”

Calafiori’s Arsenal teammate Leandro Trossard is in the Belgium squad, so they could end up facing each other tomorrow.

“It will be fun, he is a top player and I will try to give advice to my teammates, because he’s not easy to face. He’s good in one-on-one situations and has a good shot.”