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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal which was later ruled out for offside during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Riccardo Calafiori reveals he won’t watch World Cup games after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, but hopes to meet Roma in the Champions League next season: ‘See you in September.’
Italy star Calafiori released interviews with Tuttosport and Cronache Di Spogliatoio just a few days before Arsenal’s Champions League Final against PSG.
Calafiori. ‘I don’t think I’ll watch World Cup games.’
The Gunners have already won a historic Premier League title, the first for the club in 22 years, and are now aiming for their first Champions League title.
“The Premier League was one of the dreams I’ve had since I was a kid. We exploded in joy after the final whistle, and I hope to raise our flag high in the Champions League, given that we have not qualified for the World Cup.”
Talking about Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, Calafiori said: “It was a difficult moment to accept. I don’t think I’ll watch World Cup games. Gattuso was the first person I talked to the morning after winning the Premier League.”
Gattuso served as Italy’s head coach from June 2025 until last March, when he resigned after a defeat in the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which prevented the Azzurri from qualifying for the third consecutive World Cup.
Calafiori, 24, made his senior Italy debut in 2024 under Luciano Spalletti and has collected 14 appearances with La Nazionale.
“I’m so happy at Arsenal and I want to continue winning trophies here,” Calafiori added.
“Roma? See you at the Olimpico in September.”
A product of the Giallorossi academy, Calafiori spoke about Roma also to Cronache di Spogliatoio.
“I’ve made it. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, but I think I’ll return to Italy [one day], there’s nowhere like Italy,” he said, smiling.
“I have unfinished business there too. Like playing for Roma. Right now, I’m very happy at Arsenal and I can’t wait to play in the Champions League Final.
“I’m so happy with Roma’s season, who have been missing from the Champions League for so long. Gattuso was the first person I talked to the morning after winning the title, yet I’m a bit sorry about where he’ll be coaching [Lazio]. After Zenica, I preferred to wait, but I think he understood. He behaved well with me, and I can only thank him for everything.”
ByLorenzo Bettoni
Lorenzo Bettoni is the Editor of Football Italia.
