Riccardo Calafiori, the Italian international who recently joined Arsenal, has shared his insights on the key differences between Premier League and Serie A matches. Having experienced both leagues firsthand, he offers a unique perspective on their contrasting styles.
Calafiori's move to Arsenal in the summer was a dream come true for him. Despite only making three starts in the English top-flight since joining the Gunners, his performance against Manchester City post-September international break showcased his potential. His unicorn-like profile is expected to bring fluidity to Arsenal's build-up play while maintaining an aggressive defensive stance.
His breakthrough came under Thiago Motta at Bologna during the 2023/24 season which led to his transfer to Arsenal. However, after falling out with Jose Mourinho at Roma, he also had a brief stint with Basel in Switzerland. This well-travelled youngster now shares his views on both English and Italian games.
Key differences between Premier League & Serie A
Calafiori’s journey through different leagues has given him an understanding of their idiosyncrasies. In an interview, Calafiori refused to rank either league but instead highlighted their differences.
Arsenal defender, Riccardo Calafiori, said:
“I don’t feel like saying it is superior to our league, but it is certainly different. There is more intensity here, it’s a different style. Coming to England was a good step for my career,"
Contrary to what one might expect given the reputation of some Italian coaches like Motta, Calafiori pointed out that training sessions at Arsenal are more intense than those in Italy. He attributed this intensity not just to Arteta's meticulous approach but also due to the competitive nature of his squad members. While foreign influence is prevalent in both leagues, Serie A remains Europe’s most intricate and 'tactical' division along with La Liga according to Calafiori. He noted that matches in Serie A tend towards slower pace and tempo compared with those in Premier League where teams are less concerned about primarily defending.
However, he also acknowledged that as the season progresses, Premier League teams will likely adopt more defensive strategies. Given his skillset, Calafiori is expected to play a significant role in unlocking these defences.
Despite these differences, Calafiori is confident that his skillset will be instrumental in unlocking defences as the season progresses. Riccardo Calafiori's insights provide a fascinating comparison between Premier League and Serie A. His experiences in both leagues offer a unique perspective on their contrasting styles, intensity, and tactical approaches. As he continues to settle into Arsenal squad and the Premier League, fans can look forward to seeing how he adapts his game to meet these challenges head-on.
