Riccardo Calafiori sends warning to Arsenal team-mate ahead of huge clash - 'Watch out!'
Riccardo Calafiori will come up against his Arsenal team-mate Leandro Trossard when Italy take on Belgium during the international break and has joked around with his club colleague.
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorRiccardo Calafiori has jokingly told Leandro Trossard to "watch out" when they become opponents for 90 minutes.
The Arsenal duo are usually fighting for the same cause, but will find themselves on different teams when they represent their nations. The Azzurri will take on the Belgians on Thursday night as they look to build on recent wins.
Calafiori played for Italy as they saw off France recently whilst they also beat Israel to begin their Nations League campaign in the best possible way. Belgium meanwhile, who have continued to underwhelm at major tournaments, lost their last outing against the French.
The Italian defender was quizzed on whether he'd had any communication with his team-mate and joked: "I told him to watch out!" He then added: "Joking aside, he is a great player and also a great friend, but I will still try to take home the three points.
"It is going to be a complicated match, they have strong players, as do we. I prefer to focus on ourselves, because if we play the way we know how, then we can cause problems for any opponent. We did so well in the last two games and don’t want to stop now."
Italy fell short at the Euros back in the summer, losing to the Swiss in the last 16 as they surrendered their continental crown. Calafiori's performances at the tournament did put him in the shop window as Arsenal eventually secured a deal worth more than £40million.
He's slotted straight into an already impressive backline with the Gunners yet to taste defeat this season. Calafiori's personal highlight was a goal in the draw at Manchester City - a game in which Trossard was sent-off before half-time.
The Belgian though has continued to be a huge hit for the London club since arriving from Brighton in a cut-price deal. He's provided sensational value and has gone from an impact sub to someone who regularly impacts games.
The 29-year-old forward has won 37 caps for his country, scoring nine times, and will be looking to down his Arsenal team-mate when they meet in Rome's Stadio Olympico.
Calafiori said: "I am very happy to be playing at the Olimpico, I’d been waiting a long time for this moment. It is an extra reason to feel proud, seeing as my friends and family will be in the stands. A lot has changed for my career and life over the last three or four months, without warning."
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