Italy, Riccardo Calafiori: “In Bologna I made a mental switch. I want to bring the same serenity to the Azzurri”

The third day of the Italian retreat in Coverciano is dedicated to Riccardo Calafiori. Coming off an amazing growing season with the Bolognathe Italian defender is enjoying his very first experience with the senior national team after being included in Luciano Spalletti’s pre-call-up list for Euro 2024.

“I can only say thanks to Bologna – he began at the press conference -. We immediately created a beautiful atmosphere. The match against Juventus was an incredible show. I didn’t expect all that heat, because in the end it was a qualification and not a trophy. In Bologna I improved a lot mentallywhich I didn’t think was so important but which instead needs to be trained like the body. I was already aware of my quality with the ball at my feet, and with Thiago Motta I exasperated it. I’ve never been afraid of making mistakes, especially after a few mistakes, because that’s the moment when you need to have more personality.”

“There are aspects in common between Bologna’s game and that of Italy, such as the way in which to occupy spaces regardless of role. One thing I would bring to the national team from Bologna is the serenity. In training we had a lot of fun during the week, and then it was natural to play the match as we had prepared. The formation with three or four defense doesn’t change much for me. Clearly they are different tactical solutions, but my role remains the same.”

“I always steal something from everyone, but for the first time I can see Bastoni, a devastating player, up close. I have many aspects to improve. I think that Chiellini was number one in scoring, but it will be difficult to reach his level because today football has changed. I will try to follow his example, but even in the possession phase I have to grow.”

“I don’t think about the market in any way. Now I’m in the national team and I want to enjoy my first call-up.”