Riccardo Calafiori Explains How Arteta & Spalletti Are Similar

By The Editor
on 15th October 2024

Calafiori enjoying the continuity at international level…

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori recently spoke about the similarities he sees between Mikel Arteta and Luciano Spalletti – his national team coach – HaytersTV reports.

Calafiori, who joined the Gunners this summer, noted that the tactical philosophies of Arteta and Spalletti are nearly identical, making his transition to the Premier League smoother than he expected.

Calafiori stated that both Arteta and Spalletti emphasise possession-based football, where controlling the game through precise passing and movement off the ball is crucial. The 22-year-old observed that the identity of both coaches suits his style of play and limits the periods he “suffers” during games.

Speaking ahead of Italy’s Nations League fixture on Monday evening, Calafiori attempted to compare both managers without going into too much detail.

“As the coach (Spalletti) said, the constant with the coach and Arteta is that we want to try and dominate the game through play, these are the things that connect the two coaches” the former Bologna man was quoted as saying.

“And I certainly agree with both because it’s always better to approach the game this way than to have to suffer against the opponents.

“That’s what I can say for sure without going into details.”

While playing under Spalletti has helped Calafiori adapt seamlessly into the Arsenal system, his time under Thiago Motta at Bologna was also key.

The former Barcelona midfielder transformed the Serie A side’s game last season and despite playing at centre-back, Calafiori is being asked to pick up the same spaces under Arteta.

Given the serious knee injured he suffered earlier in his career, the only thing that will prevent the former Roma defender from reaching his potential is if his body doesn’t allow it.