Calafiori: Tactics Not the Root Cause of Italy's World Cup Disappointment

Riccardo Calafiori has openly stated his greater comfort playing in a four-man defense compared to a back three. However, he firmly believes that neither his personal preference nor Gennaro Gattuso’s tactical selections were the underlying reasons for Italy’s failure to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Calafiori Reflects on Italy's Setback and Arsenal's Ambitions

Calafiori started alongside Gianluca Mancini and Alessandro Bastoni in a three-man defense during Italy’s crucial World Cup play-off final defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina last Tuesday. He briefly discussed the national team's situation in an interview with Sky Sport Italia, conducted after Arsenal’s recent Champions League victory over Sporting CP.

The former defender for Roma and Bologna conceded that the profound disappointment of Italy missing the World Cup for the third consecutive time will persist "for quite a while." Nevertheless, he stressed the necessity of focusing on his club commitments, as Arsenal remains actively competing for both the Premier League and Champions League titles.

“I think the disappointment will linger for a significant period, but that's just how football is. I prefer to play as a starter because on the pitch, there's nothing else to occupy your thoughts. You strive to give your absolute best, and there are substantial objectives to pursue,” Calafiori told Sky. “I believe the disappointment remains an internal matter, but I hope to achieve something momentous with Arsenal by the close of the season.”

Alessandro Costacurta, appearing as a pundit in the Sky studios, pointed out that all teams reaching the Champions League quarter-finals utilized a back-four system. In contrast, both in Italy’s domestic league and with the national team, a three-man defense often remains a favored formation.

Calafiori confirmed to Costacurta his preference for a back-four system, yet he reiterated that this was not the factor contributing to Italy’s World Cup play-off final loss.

“I’ve honestly never given it much thought; I'm not sure what to articulate on that specific point. I do feel more at ease in a four-man defense, whether playing as a central defender or a full-back. However, if there’s a perception that this was the reason the match (against Bosnia) went poorly, I genuinely don’t believe that to be the case.”

Costacurta subsequently clarified that his question was posed in a general context, rather than specifically pertaining to the Italy national team, asserting, “My intention was not to place you in a difficult spot.”