Calafiori Demands Italy Improve After Belgium’s 2-0 Nations League Win
Riccardo Calafiori has admitted Italy must improve immediately after Belgium’s 2-0 Nations League win at the Stadio Olimpico, with the Arsenal defender saying the Azzurri’s performance fell short despite signs of promise under Roberto Mancini.
Belgium struck through Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio, both taking advantage of serious space in the Italian defence as the hosts made a losing start to Mancini’s second spell in charge.
- Italy: beaten 2-0 in Rome and jeered by sections of a thin Stadio Olimpico crowd at full-time.
- Belgium: Godts and Lukebakio supplied the goals in a vital Nations League victory.
- Calafiori: started at left-back, his first senior Italy appearance in that position, which he also regularly occupies for Arsenal.
Calafiori said Italy showed quality only in spells and accepted that the two goals conceded should have been prevented. “We have only just begun working with a new coach,” he said. “There were things I did not like: we gave away too much room and let in two goals that were avoidable. There is plenty to work on, but we have to take the positives as well.”
The defender also felt the force of the crowd’s reaction after a disjointed display. “It hurts, because at moments you could feel their support,” he said. “We all know we must do better, beginning with the next game.”
What happens next
Italy return to the training ground with their defensive organisation the immediate priority. Calafiori and his team-mates must respond in their next Nations League fixture, under pressure to produce a stronger result and repair the relationship with home supporters.
