Calafiori: Italy showed flashes of potential in Belgium loss
Riccardo Calafiori believes Italy must focus on the positives after their 2-0 Nations League defeat to Belgium, stating he witnessed a capable team in moments during the match.
The team’s start to the second Roberto Mancini era didn't go as planned. Belgium secured a victory at the Stadio Olimpico, with Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio capitalizing on defensive errors to score.
Italy's best chances included a significant save from Senne Lammers and Giorgio Scalvini hitting the crossbar from close range.
Calafiori on Italy's promising signs
“I saw a good team in fits and starts. We’ve just started working with a new coach, but other areas I didn’t like, we left gaps and conceded two avoidable goals. We must try to look on the positive aspects,” Calafiori told RAI Sport.
“There is a lot of work to do; we’ve just started with a new coach, so we’ll see.”
Some tension was apparent after the final whistle, leading to yellow cards for Gianluigi Donnarumma and Romelu Lukaku.
“I didn’t really see, but these things happen on the field; we’ve got to move on.”
The home crowd at the Stadio Olimpico, which was not at full capacity, booed the team off at the end, indicating fan frustration.
“They hurt, because at times I felt the passion of the crowd. We’ve got to do better, we all know that, starting from the next match,” Calafiori concluded.
This was Calafiori's first senior appearance for Italy at left-back, a position he typically plays for Arsenal.
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