Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori says Gennaro Gattuso’s relentless contact and team dinners have tightened squad unity ahead of the playoff. For bettors: Italy’s improved cohesion and Calafiori’s return bolster defensive stability and set-piece handling—backing Italy to win the Northern Ireland tie or to cover a -1 handicap looks like a sensible market play, but expect a close, low-scoring match.
Calafiori: Gattuso Called Me “More Than My Mother” as Italy Prepares for Crucial Playoff
ROME — Riccardo Calafiori revealed that Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso’s constant contact over the past months helped keep the squad focused and united ahead of the World Cup playoff against Northern Ireland. The Arsenal defender said Gattuso’s calls and team dinners provided stability and camaraderie during a delicate period for the four-time champions.
Gattuso’s Hands-On Approach Boosts Squad Morale
Calafiori described a period when Gattuso rang him more often than his own mother, particularly during a spell when he was recovering from a muscle injury. The coach’s travels across Italy and trips abroad, combined with shared dinners, were designed to maintain team spirit and ensure players felt connected in the run-up to the playoffs.
Veteran Presence at Team Meals
Former Italy stalwarts joined the gathering in London, where football anecdotes and leadership from the dressing room helped reinforce a winning culture. Calafiori said the dinner felt like “a dinner among friends,” underlining how off-field bonding has been used to shore up on-field chemistry.
Tactical Warning: Neutralise Dead-Ball Threats
Calafiori highlighted Northern Ireland’s danger from set pieces and stressed Italy must be alert to free kicks and loose balls. “Free kicks can create the difference. The margins between squads are reduced in modern football,” he said, urging teammates to remain vigilant in defensive moments that often decide tight playoff ties.
Fitness, Club Form and Selection Questions
Now 23, Calafiori can play both left-back and centre-back and moved to Arsenal after helping Bologna into the Champions League. He is returning to match fitness after a minor knock suffered with Arsenal, and he acknowledged competition for his club starting spot from Piero Hincapié. Despite Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City in the League Cup final, the Gunners still lead the Premier League, and Calafiori remains focused on both club and country ambitions.
Clear Path but High Stakes for World Cup Qualification
Italy must first beat Northern Ireland in Bergamo and then win away against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina to secure a place in the World Cup in North America.
The Azzurri, eliminated from the last two tournaments in playoff defeats, are treating the fixtures with the utmost professionalism. “Going to the World Cup is the dream I had as a kid, so I can't wait to play this game,” Calafiori said. “We need to prepare like it's a normal game. We know how delicate it is.”
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