The defender said Italy are trying to carry out the coach’s instructions despite limited preparation time. The team beat Türkiye 3-1 and are due to face France on November 12.
Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori said the stadium where his side beat Türkiye 3-1 in the Nations League holds special meaning for him. He said he made his national-team debut there and scored his first goal for Italy at the venue.
Calafiori said it was important for Italy to regain the lead quickly after their previous meeting with Türkiye. He said the team then managed the game well enough to secure the win. Goals by defenders, he added, reflected a proactive team approach.
The defender said there had been little time to work on the coach’s instructions, but the players were trying to put them into practice. Staying physically fit was his main personal priority, he said, because that was when he could help the team most.
Italy have seven points after four matches and sit second in Group 1 of League A. Their next fixture is a home match against France on November 12, according to UEFA’s schedule.