Calafiori: ‘Premier League not superior to Serie A, but different’ | OneFootball

Riccardo Calafiori calls the move to Arsenal a ‘good step for my career’ and explains the differences between Serie A and the Premier League. ‘I wouldn’t call it superior, but certainly different.’

The defender made the transfer from Bologna over the summer for €45m plus another €5m in add-ons and has already impressed the local supporters with his performances.

That included his first goal, a scorcher into the top corner during the 2-2 Premier League draw against Manchester City.

“Perhaps it’s a bit early to say, but I do think I have made a good impression,” Calafiori told TG1.

“I settled in really well thanks to my teammates and the people who work here.”

Calafiori on adapting to Premier League for Arsenal

The 22-year-old was among the only Italy players to truly shine at EURO 2024, so how has he found the differences between Serie A and the Premier League?

“I don’t feel like saying it is superior to our league, but it is certainly different. There is more intensity here, it’s a different style.

“Coming to England was a good step for my career.”

He played in Italy’s 3-1 Nations League victory away to France earlier this month before sustaining an injury, so is a key figure in the future for Luciano Spalletti’s Azzurri.

“It is a new era. We will try to forget what happened in the past, or if anything use it to learn and avoid repeating the same mistakes.”

Although Calafiori is generally used as a central defender for Italy and previously for Bologna, he has been a left-back so far at Arsenal.

Nonetheless, he seems to have been allowed some freedom to roam and find his position by coach Mikel Arteta.