Calafiori on ‘very different’ Arsenal and his start to life at the club | OneFootball

Riccardo Calafiori says the intensity at Arsenal and the Premier League is a “big difference” to what he has previously experienced.

The defender joined the Gunners from Bologna this summer in a £42m deal and has so far made eight appearances for his new club.

And speaking on international duty with Italy, the 22-year-old says playing in England has been a big change.

He said: “It is a bit difficult to say one single thing that makes the difference, so I’ll mention two. First, the intensity they put into training and matches is something that caught my eye as soon as I arrived after the Euros; I found this very different from Italy.

“Then, I don’t feel like saying that we need to take something in particular from them, but matches are often fought until the end; whatever team you encounter, whether it’s a smaller team or a more renowned one, no one thinks too much about defending.

“This is the big difference; in fact, there are more counterattacks, and it is more fun to watch, just that.”

Arsenal currently sit third in the Premier League table after seven games played and have also picked up four points from a possible six in the Champions League.

Calafiori says he has been encouraged by his side’s start to the season: “Well, we are definitely very young, in fact, I know most of the guys very well, and I can say, as you mentioned, that we are a great group.

“It’s a bit early for sure because we have just started this new season, but I am positive, and the signs are positive too, so let’s try to continue like this.”

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