FIRENZE (ITALPRESS) – “We know the importance of the game, we must remain as light as possible. It will be important to be concentrated from the first to the last minute.” Riccardo Calafiori does not want to take the risk that pressure can become a enemy. The defender of the National Team, at the press conference in Coverciano in view of the semi-final play-off against Northern Ireland, scheduled Thursday in Bergamo and valid for qualifying at the World Cup in 2026, believes that the approach to the match could be decisive.
Italy has missed the last two editions of the World Cup and cannot fail again. “I hope in a game where we will dominate and where we will have the biggest chances. The message we want to send is that we must be united and positive because this can help us. It will count on union and mentality.”.
Keys on which he insisted a lot in these months the blue ct Gennaro Gattuso. “I really enjoyed the behavior that had the mister, especially with me – added Calafiori -. I’ve heard more of him than my mother in the last few months. I am a slave, he was very close to me especially in the last time I played less, I enjoyed it very much. Then he also came to London to organize a dinner, it was an evening among friends, he spoke of football, also of other things, of anecdotes since there were both Buffon and Bonucci, and then talked about the game, an important evening”.
On his condition he does not unbalance, but he is optimistic: “I think I’m okay, then we see today in the field.” The Arsenal defender insists on the need to face the semi-final play-off with the right attitude. “At such a delicate moment the important thing is to live the present and enjoy every single moment, live the group and think about the first game.”.
The sighting, at least on paper, is not insurmountable. “I prefer to focus on my team, on my teammates and not to think about opponents,” is Calafiori’s premise which then identifies possible critical points. “We have to be careful about the kicks, especially against them, because they can be very dangerous, but we can be too. The kicks placed are special that in today’s football can make a difference,” concluded Calafiori.
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
