FLORENCE, Italy – Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori emphasized the importance of focusing on the present moment as the Italian national team prepares for a pivotal playoff match against Northern Ireland. The Azzurri, seeking a path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, face a high-stakes encounter in Florence on Sunday, March 24th. Calafiori, who recently returned from injury, spoke to the media on Saturday, outlining his mindset and the team’s approach to the crucial fixture.
“I’m feeling good, we’ll see on the pitch today but I’m feeling good,” Calafiori said, as reported by Gazzetta.it. “Regarding managing these moments, the key is to live in the present and not think too much, to enjoy every single moment because it can become something beautiful. Staying together, working as a team, and focusing on the next game.”
The 23-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Bologna in July 2024 for a reported £33.6 million, acknowledged the pressure that comes with representing Italy, but framed it as an opportunity rather than a burden. He stressed the team’s need to concentrate on their own performance rather than fixating on their opponents. “I prefer to focus more on us than on the opponent; it depends more on us than on others,” he stated. “The match needs to be prepared as if it were a normal game, we need to stay light.”
Champions League Complexity
Calafiori briefly touched upon the challenges faced by Italian clubs in the UEFA Champions League, noting that even top Premier League teams uncover the competition challenging. “It’s complicated, even for the English teams,” he said. “Football isn’t a perfect science.” This observation comes after Arsenal’s recent elimination from the Champions League, a defeat Calafiori experienced firsthand after returning from injury. He featured as a substitute in the second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, a match PSG won 2-1 to advance to the final. Football Italia reported Calafiori expressed gratitude for the experience despite the outcome, posting a simple “Thanks for everything” on Instagram after the match.
Tactical Awareness and Team Spirit
Looking ahead to the match against Northern Ireland, Calafiori highlighted the importance of defending set pieces, recognizing their potential to be decisive. “We need to be careful on set pieces against them; they can be dangerous. Set pieces can make the difference in modern football because the margins are small,” he explained. He as well emphasized that defensive responsibility extends beyond the backline, stating, “When you make a mistake, you concede a goal, the problem isn’t just one department.”
A significant aspect of Calafiori’s preparation has been the support he’s received from Italy manager Luciano Spalletti. The defender revealed a strong rapport with the coach, stating, “I’ve heard more from the coach in recent months than from my mother… He was good at being close to me, even when I was out.” He recounted a dinner in London where they had the opportunity to connect and discuss his situation. “In these months we haven’t had a chance to train, but there’s not much to train and a lot to do together.”
Dreaming of the World Cup
Despite the pressure and the importance of the match, Calafiori expressed excitement about the opportunity to represent Italy and pursue a place at the World Cup. “Is there fear? It all depends on how you see this game. When you wear this shirt, there’s responsibility, but I see it more as an opportunity. I’d prefer to play a game like this for a thousand reasons rather than not. Going to the World Cup is the dream I’ve had since childhood, and I can’t wait to play this game.”
The match against Northern Ireland represents a critical step towards realizing that dream. Italy will need a strong performance to advance in the playoff bracket and keep their World Cup aspirations alive. The Azzurri will then face the winner of the other semi-final playoff match, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the 2026 tournament.
Italy’s match against Northern Ireland is scheduled for 7:45 PM local time (1:45 PM EST) on Sunday, March 24th at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence. The winner will advance to the playoff final, bringing them one step closer to qualification for the World Cup.
Fans can follow updates and analysis of the match on Archysport.com, with live coverage and post-match reaction.
