Riccardo Calafiori has stated that he won’t be watching World Cup matches due to Italy’s failure to qualify but is optimistic about facing Roma in the Champions League next season, saying: “See you in September.”
The Italy star made these comments in interviews with Tuttosport and Cronache Di Spogliatoio just days before Arsenal‘s Champions League Final against PSG.
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Calafiori: “I don’t think I’ll watch World Cup games.”
The Gunners have already claimed a historic Premier League title—their first in 22 years—and are now targeting their first Champions League title. Calafiori expressed his excitement: “Winning the Premier League has always been a dream of mine. We celebrated joyously after the final whistle, and I hope to represent us proudly in the Champions League, especially since we didn’t qualify for the World Cup.”
Reflecting on Italy’s World Cup elimination, he mentioned, “It was hard to come to terms with. I don’t plan on watching any World Cup matches. Gattuso was the first person I spoke to after we won the Premier League.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal later ruled out for offside during the Premier League match against Fulham at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2026. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
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Gattuso led the Italian national team from June 2025 until his resignation last March after a defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup playoff final, marking Italy’s third consecutive failure to qualify.
Calafiori, now 24 years old, made his senior debut for Italy in 2024 under Luciano Spalletti and has since earned 14 caps for the national team.
“I’m really happy at Arsenal and eager to keep winning trophies here,” stated Calafiori. “As for Roma? I’ll see you at the Olimpico in September.”
A product of Roma’s youth academy, Calafiori expressed his thoughts on his former club during his interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio.
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“I’ve achieved a lot. Though leaving my comfort zone was important, I envision a return to Italy one day; there’s no place like home,” he said with a smile. “I still have unfinished business there, like playing for Roma. At the moment, I’m very satisfied at Arsenal and can’t wait for the Champions League Final.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Gennaro Gattuso of Italy watches prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO playoff match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I’m very happy with Roma’s season, who have been absent from the Champions League for quite some time. Gattuso was the first person I contacted after winning the title; I’m just a bit disappointed about his new coaching role with Lazio. After Zenica, I decided to hold off, but I believe he understood. He was always courteous to me, and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done.”