Riccardo Calafiori has jokingly told Arsenal teammate Leandro Trossard to ‘be careful’ when the pair face off on the international stage this week.

Calafiori’s Italy and Trossard’s Belgium are set to go head-to-head in the UEFA Nations League on Thusday evening at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Both sides are in Group A2 in this year’s Nations League format, with Italy currently sitting at the top of the standings having won both of their games thus far – impressively seeing off France 3-1 at the start of the competition.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Thursday’s game, Calafiori was asked about facing off against his Arsenal compatriot Trossard, jokingly replying: “I told him to be careful.

“Jokes aside, he’s a very strong player and also a great friend, but I’ll try to bring home the three points.”

The defender joined Arsenal from Bologna during the summer transfer window, and became an instant fan favourite in north London by scoring a stunning goal against Manchester City in just his fourth appearance for the club.

Speaking about life at Arsenal, Calafiori admitted that the pressure at the club is different to what he faced during his time with Bologna, but he is enjoying that added scrutiny so far.

He said, “In the last three or four months, my career and life have changed quite a bit, without warning. I feel a bit more responsibility, but I like it because it means I’m doing well and everyone expects a lot from me.”

Arsenal’s next Premier League fixture is set to come against Bournemouth on 19 October, after the international break.

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