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Calafiori Reflects on Age as Italy Prepares for France

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori said he feels "a little older" as Italy's squad leans toward youth ahead of the Nations League clash with France. The match, scheduled for 19:45 GMT on Thursday at the San Siro, will decide which of the top two teams in Group 1 advance to the quarter‑finals. Calafiori, who recently switched from centre‑back to left‑back for the national side, praised the packed stadium and the confidence gained from recent wins over Turkey and a draw in France. He noted that the experience of playing in a big venue will help Italy face a France side still missing key players such as Kylian Mbappé. The Arsenal man also highlighted the need for determination and heart, given the limited tactical preparation time. Italy entered the game with seven points, trailing France’s ten, and hoping to secure a spot in the Final Four. Calafiori remains optimistic that the team can build on its recent positive results.

· Football Italia

The essential points

  1. 01Calafiori says he feels older as Italy’s squad becomes youth‑heavy before the Nations League match against France.
  2. 02The game at San Siro on Thursday will decide whether Italy or France, both top of Group 1, advance to the quarter‑finals.
  3. 03Arsenal defender praised the packed stadium and recent wins over Turkey and a draw in France as confidence boosters.
  4. 04With key French players injured, Calafiori stresses determination and heart over tactics to secure a win and a spot in the Final Four.
The full brief

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori said he feels "a little older" as Italy's squad leans toward youth ahead of the Nations League clash with France. The match, scheduled for 19:45 GMT on Thursday at the San Siro, will decide which of the top two teams in Group 1 advance to the quarter‑finals. Calafiori, who recently switched from centre‑back to left‑back for the national side, praised the packed stadium and the confidence gained from recent wins over Turkey and a draw in France.

He noted that the experience of playing in a big venue will help Italy face a France side still missing key players such as Kylian Mbappé. The Arsenal man also highlighted the need for determination and heart, given the limited tactical preparation time. Italy entered the game with seven points, trailing France’s ten, and hoping to secure a spot in the Final Four.

Calafiori remains optimistic that the team can build on its recent positive results.