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Follow Riccardo Calafiori’s press conference from Coverciano live.
The Bologna defender addresses the media on Sunday on Italy’s third day of preparation for Euro 2024.
This is the first senior call-up for Calafiori, who has made seven appearances with Italy’s U21 squad. A product of Roma academy, Calafiori was shortlisted as one of the best three defenders in Serie A this season alongside Juventus’ Gleison Bremer and Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni, the eventual winner.
He has been linked with several top clubs, including Juventus and Chelsea, but he’s not expected to talk much about his future today as most questions will be focused on his impressive season at the Dall’Ara and the first few days of training with the Italy national team at Coverciano.
Calafiori joined Bologna from Basel for just €4m last summer. He ended his first full Serie A campaign with two goals and five assists in 33 appearances.
Follow his press conference live below.
Stay tuned for more Italy news and updates. The team will train at Coverciano today at 17:30 CET.
“I have many strong points but also things to improve. I think it will be difficult to man-mark like Chiellini. I think he was absolute No.1, at least among those I saw live. I have to improve in the build-up as well.
“It’s special. We are very united, and I think this will take us far.”
“They are both meticulous, they always push for improvements.”
“He was fundamental because I didn’t see him many times, but he was always there when I needed him. He was very humble and I didn’t expect him like this. [When I got injured] he said I could undergo surgery in Pittsburgh, like Zlatan. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I did listen to him, and it was a good choice.”
“I watched the Final at home with my family and friends, and then I went in the streets to celebrate. I didn’t expect to be here and fight for a spot in the Euros.”
“In terms of versatility, it’s a characteristic that all players must have. Going to the Euros would be a massive dream. I’d love to be certain about it.”
“It was six years ago. Somebody said it [his career could be over], but my target was to return to the pitch and I never thought my career could end there.
“Some of my ex-teammates are here; I have great memories of Roma. This is what I can say.”
“It’s what I did all season. My approach to games and training sessions hasn’t changed, this is the secret.”
“Centre-back or left-back is very different, many things change, but three or four-man defence doesn’t change much. Everyone must move quickly at all times.”
“What I said at the beginning. The big change was mentally. It’s very important for a footballer, and it must be trained at least as much as the body. I knew I had personality with the ball, but with Thiago [Motta], it was even more, and even if I made an error, there was no problem.
“I try to steal from everyone. If I think about a left-footed defender, and Bastoni comes to mind. I’ve trained with him here and he’s really great.”
“We are in the national team now, so I’d like to enjoy this, think about the present and try to go to the Euros.”
“There are similarities in these two approaches, but also different things. Every team is organised in modern football so we try to do these movements not to give any reference point to opponents. I can only thank Bologna because we’ve been living in an extraordinary atmosphere since day one. I didn’t expect so much affection even on the open-top bus parade. It was an important target but not a trophy, so really, thank you.
“I played a bit under Mourinho at Roma; I wanted to play more, so I went to Genoa, but it didn’t go well. There wasn’t space for me so then I went to Basel, nothing personal.”
“I wasn’t too convinced about Basel, I was almost obliged, but I immediately changed my mind. I had good feelings, and they had everything a young player needs to develop. I made 30 appearances for the first time, which helped me grow.
“There are some similarities. The idea is similar. I won’t discuss the details, but it’s important to occupy the space at the right time and at the right moment, regardless of who covers it.”
“Many things have happened otherwise I wouldn’t be here. There are many things to say, but I think the most significant change was in the mentality. Almost as if nothing changed from Basel to Serie A even if the level is different. I’ve worked hard and I think I can see the results.”