Riccardo Calafiori acknowledges that he is “starting to feel a little older than I was” amidst an Italian national team that is increasingly featuring younger players. As Italy prepares to face France in the Nations League, Calafiori highlights the “positive elements” that will contribute to their performance. The match is set to commence at San Siro on Thursday at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET).
This encounter represents a significant contest for the top spot in Group 1, with France currently leading with 10 points, followed by Italy with seven points and Belgium at six.
The top two teams will proceed to the quarter-finals of the Nations League, eyeing a spot in the Final Four. Therefore, Sunday’s match against Belgium becomes crucial for deciding the outcome of the group stage.
Calafiori has Faith in Italy
PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 02: Riccardo Calafiori, Pio Esposito, and Sebastiano Esposito from Italy observe their teammates before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 match against France at the Stade de France on October 02, 2026. (Photo by Pauline Figuet/Getty Images)
“Having a packed stadium tomorrow will help us, but we know who we are up against, so I doubt it is possible for us to snub this test ahead of Sunday,” said Calafiori in his press conference.
“We’ll play our best tomorrow and then can think about the Belgium game.”
Calafiori, originally deployed as a central defender for Italy and Bologna, has recently transitioned to the left-back position for the national team, following his successful performances in that role at Arsenal.
“There are a lot of young players in this squad, so I am starting to feel a little older than I was,” stated the 24-year-old.
“I have relatively little experience with the Nazionale, but in every match I try to inspire my team and be a leader, more through my actions on the field than any words I might use.”
Riccardo Calafiori of Italy competes with Michael Olise of France during the Nations League (@equipedefrance)
Italy’s Nations League journey has been rocky, starting with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in Roberto Mancini’s return as coach. However, they rebounded with wins against Turkiye and secured a commendable 1-1 draw in France.
“I always said it was too early to see big changes and the work the coach was doing, but it certainly helps to get positive results,” commented Calafiori.
“It gives us some more confidence, and tomorrow is again an important test. It was tough for us in France; it was crucial that we came away with heads held high, and we achieved that.
“Tomorrow we are on home turf; the stadium will be packed, and these are all positive elements that enable us to build more self-belief, albeit aware there is still a lot more work to do.”
Riccardo Calafiori and Antonio Vergara during an Italy training session at Coverciano on November 11, 2026.
Reports suggest Kylian Mbappé may miss this match due to a muscular injury, adding to France’s injury woes that already include Marcus Thuram, Pierre Kalulu, Aurelien Tchaouameni, Manu Koné, William Saliba, Jules Koundé, Maxence Lacroix, Ousmane Dembélé, Maghnes Akliouche, and Esteban Lepaul.
“I think this is going to be a very complicated match. France still have many options available, so it doesn’t change that much, and we must stay focused on ourselves,” Calafiori remarked.
“There isn’t much time to prepare tactically and do things that are too different from club level, so it’s more about determination and heart.”
During the first match against France, Calafiori successfully marked Michael Olise, and he expressed hope that he would be assigned the same task again.
“I hope that I will have to do it tomorrow too. It’s always fascinating to face players of this level.”
