Arsenal defender Ricardo Calafiori believes that while the Premier League may not necessarily be superior to the Serie A, both leagues still possess certain differences between them, Soccernet.football reports.
Despite the valiant efforts of his former manager, Thiago Motta, to sign him for Juventus, Calafiori chose a switch to the Premier League this summer. The Gunners paid £42 million to sign the Italian from Bologna after an impressive 2023/2024 season at Renato Dall’Ara.
Though he has yet to secure a regular starting spot at the Emirates, the 22-year-old made a significant step toward becoming a fixture in Mikel Arteta’s line-up with a brilliant goal against Manchester City last weekend.
Arsenal eventually conceded a late equalizer in a heated 2-2 draw but the Italy international can take pride in his performance at the Etihad. He shone in his first Premier League start, showing positive signs of adapting to his new environment.
In an interview with TG1, Calafiori compared Serie A to the Premier League, stating that there’s a certain difference between the two leagues.
“Perhaps it’s a bit early to say, but I do think I have made a good impression,” Calafiori said, as reported by Corriere dello Sport.
“I settled in really well thanks to my teammates and the people who work here.
“I don’t feel like saying it is superior to our league, but it is certainly different. There is more intensity here, it’s a different style. Coming to England was a good step for my career.“
Following his impressive performance against City, Calafiori may be in line for his first Champions League start for Arsenal when they face Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.