Calafiori's Azzurri Fire: Ready to Storm Coverciano

Imagine this: you're a 23-year-old Arsenal defender, barely two years into your Italy caps, and suddenly you're the talk of the town ahead of a World Cup play-off. That's Riccardo Calafiori for you, chatting to Sport Week like he's got the keys to the Azzurri kingdom. As reported by Lorenzo Bettoni at Football Italia, the lad's buzzing: "I can't wait to get to Coverciano and link up with the boys."

He's not wrong to be hyped. Italy kick off prep on Monday for the semi against Northern Ireland on March 26, with a potential final nod to Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Calafiori's all about that group vibe: "Our history screams it – united, we can mix it with anyone. If we hit America, anything can happen."

From Euro Heartbreak to Redemption Hero

Flashback to Euro 2024, where Calafiori burst onto the scene under Luciano Spalletti. Debuted just before the tournament, started every game, and became one of Italy's standouts. Sure, there was that pesky own goal versus Spain – a proper gut-punch in a 1-0 loss – but he shrugged it off like a pro.

Against Croatia, he laid on the Mattia Zaccagni leveller that dragged Italy into the last 16. "That own goal niggled me, but I was chilled for the Croatia match," he grinned. "Redeemed myself big time – strongest feeling of my career." No wonder Gennaro Gattuso has him in the 28-man squad despite limited caps.

The competition was fierce, mind. "Hoped for a call-up, didn't know it'd happen so quick," Calafiori admitted. Now? He's preaching belief: "On paper, we're top dogs. Ditch the negativity, unite, and we're World Cup-bound. Fans will get behind us – target's right there."

Injury Blues Hit Hard: Scamacca Sidelined, Bastoni in Doubt

Hold that thought, though – not all rosy in the Azzurri camp. Football Italia's Susy Campanale and Lorenzo Bettoni bring the grim tidings: Atalanta hitman Gianluca Scamacca is out with a right adductor tear. He's missing tomorrow's Serie A clash with Hellas Verona and the play-offs, recovery stretching past the potential final on March 31.

Worse, Inter rock Alessandro Bastoni nurses a bruised fibula from the Milan derby. Skipped the Atalanta game last week, sits out Fiorentina tomorrow, and his play-off spot's a coin flip. Cristian Chivu might spill more at today's presser, but it's a headache for Gattuso.

London Lads and Destiny Vibes

On a brighter note, Calafiori's got his mate Edoardo Bove nearby in London. The ex-Roma youth product joined Watford in January, and they're flatmates now – training grounds cheek by jowl. "Feels like destiny," Calafiori mused. "Hugged him the other day, even touched his defibrillator. Weird, but he's buzzing to conquer the world. Chuffed for him."

Italy's play-off path is no cakewalk, but with Calafiori's swagger and that never-say-die Azzurri spirit, they've got a shout. Will they book those World Cup tickets? Pour another pint – we're in for a ride.