Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori has joked that he is closer to Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso at the moment than his mother.
tuttosport The Arsenal defender’s cover comments today amid Gattuso’s efforts to unify the Italy squad ahead of the international break.
The Azzurri need to make it two consecutive wins this break to book a place at this summer’s World Cup.
Gattuso’s side face Northern Ireland in a play-off semi-final on Thursday before a possible final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Gattuso’s efforts for unity
Gattuso is working hard to unite the team ahead of the crucial week. Which also includes organizing a dinner among the players recently.
their efforts have already been Praised by Newcastle star Sandro Tonali. Now Arsenal defender Calafiori has also shared his feelings.
“I really appreciated the coach’s behavior with us and with me,” He said.
“I’ve been closer to him in recent months than I have been to my mother. I’m shy and he was good at being there for me, at times when it was useful because I was playing less and less.
“That dinner with Gattuso was nice, just being there and talking. In the last few months we haven’t had much time to train, but the important thing is to be together.
“I think he paid the bill (laughs). It was an evening with friends, where we talked about football and other things. Buffon and Bonucci shared some anecdotes and experiences.”
Fitness and form at Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori had doubts about his fitness and form in Italy, but wanted to dismiss them. Furthermore, the 23-year-old player revealed that with Arsenal’s matches fast approaching, the Gunners’ focus is on recovery.
“I’m fine, we’ll see how I perform on the pitch today, but I’m fine,” he said.
“In the Premier League, the most important training is the matches, especially for a team like ours that always plays twice a week. We train very little. I don’t know the statistics, but the impression is that there are few dead moments on the field.”
pressure in courage
The Arsenal defender also stressed that he and his Italy teammates will have to turn any fear into courage given the expectations of the fans.
“It all depends on how you look at this match,” He added.
“It’s a responsibility; when you wear this jersey, there are millions of people cheering for you. But I see it as an opportunity, a chance to go to the World Cup, which is something we’ve dreamed of since we were kids. I can’t wait to play.”
However, the reality for Italy is that the pressure continues. They have now qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2014. This is undoubtedly a significant decline for a country which is a four-time champion.
Sweden and North Macedonia also suffered defeats in the play-offs due to their failure to qualify for the previous two editions. For this, there needs to be third time lucky, otherwise Gattuso and his team will be under the same pressure and scrutiny as before.
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