Summer signing explains what makes Arsenal different | OneFootball

Riccardo Calafiori has talked up his experience at Arsenal so far, amid news that he appears to have come through the international break unscathed.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Riccardo Calafiori has been away on international duty with Italy over the current break, which probably worried some Arsenal fans.

The left-back had suffered an injury over the last break, and Italy were always likely to give him plenty of minutes this week, so there was a real risk of another setback.

Fortunately, and despite playing 180 minutes across Italy’s two games, the defender appears to have avoided injury this time around.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the teams victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on August 24, 2024. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Speaking to the media about his time at Arsenal so far, Calafiori seemed very positive.

“First, the intensity they put into training and matches is something that caught my eye as soon as I arrived after the Euros,” Calafiori said. “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 (at Arsenal).

“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 counter-attacks, and it is more fun to watch.”

PARIS, FRANCE: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Italy at Parc des Princes stadium on September 06, 2024. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Over the break, Calafiori helped Italy to secure a draw against Belgium despite the team being reduced to 10 men in the first half, then he was involved in a 4-1 thrashing against Israel.

Italy went close to a clean sheet, but they conceded directly to a corner. Tottenham Hotspur’s Guglielmo Vicario was once again culpable, flapping at the ball under pressure from an attacker.

But the win sees Italy leading their Nations League group ahead of France by a point, with Belgium five points further behind in third.

With a six-point lead over third place and a play-off spot for both first and second-place finishes, it would take something dramatic in the final two games to deny Italy a place in the quarter-finals.