Calafiori ‘can’t wait’ for Italy’s play-off: ‘Anything can happen’ at World Cup
Calafiori ‘can’t wait’ for Italy’s play-off: ‘Anything can happen’ at World Cup Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori ‘can’t wait to get to Coverciano’ to prepare for Italy’s World Cup play: ‘If we go to America, anything can happen. ’ Arsenal defender Calafiori spoke about the upcoming Italy challenge in the World Cup play-off during an interview with Sport Week. The 23-year-old has only made 12 appearances for the Italy national team, having made his Azzurri debut less than two years ago, yet he’s one of the stars included by Gattuso in his 28-man squad .
Calafiori made his Azzurri debut under Luciano Spalletti just a few weeks before the beginning of Euro 2024 and was arguably one of the best Italy players in the tournament. UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Anan Khalaili of Israel wins a header from Riccardo Calafiori of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “There was a lot of competition for that position.
I hoped for a call-up, but I didn’t know what would happen,” said the Arsenal defender. “In just a few days, I made my debut, and I became a starter at the Euros. A fantastic feeling.
My friends in Rome watched me on the giant screens, and the country rooted for us. ” Calafiori scored an own goal in a 1-0 loss against Spain in the group phase, but provided the assist for Mattia Zaccagni’s late leveller in the final match against Croatia, allowing the Azzurri to qualify for the Round of 16. “The own goal bothered me a little, but when I returned to the pitch against Croatia, I was very serene,” Calafiori said.
“I wanted to redeem myself. I did so with that assist for Zaccagni, and we managed to qualify for the Round of 16. It was the strongest emotion of my career.