Calafiori refuses to call Ballon d'Or with three Arsenal stars nominated

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Riccardo Calafiori scored his first international goal for Italy on Monday evening, but it was his take on this year's Ballon d'Or race that has caught attention back in north London. The Arsenal defender, speaking after the Azzurri's 3-1 win over Turkey, admitted he is unwilling to predict a winner despite three of his own club team-mates featuring on the shortlist.

Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are all among the final 30 names in contention for this year's award, which will be handed out in London on October 26. Asked directly about the race, Calafiori told RAI Sport: "No, I'm not going to get into the merits of these decisions! It's a two-man or three-man battle, and you know who they are, but this year I have to say it's a bit difficult."

A night to remember in Bologna

Calafiori's comments came after a personally significant night in Italian colours. The match was played at Bologna's Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, the former home of the 24-year-old, where he opened his senior international account in the win over Turkey.

Reflecting on the moment, Calafiori said: "My goal here? It was all written, I made my debut here, I scored my first goal here. I owe a lot to this city and these fans, it was all wonderful. It's been a long time since I felt a match in my stomach, in the end it went positively, in the end it went very well."

He also credited Italy head coach Leonardo Bonucci for his part in the move, revealing the tactical instruction that led to the goal. "Mister Bonucci initially told me to stay back, then he told me to move up and let Kayo [Michael Kayode] stay," Calafiori explained. "He asked me to mention him because he is quite egocentric! It went well."

Goals becoming a habit

The strike continues a productive start to the campaign in front of goal for the Italian, who had already scored in the Community Shield earlier this season. Asked whether increasing his output is a specific focus, Calafiori pointed instead to his overall fitness and contribution.

"Last year, for example, I was unlucky and could have finished with at least five or six goals," he said. "This year the season started quite well, but obviously, beyond the numbers, I'm interested in the contribution I make to the team. I try to stay physically fit: in the end, that's what matters, because when I'm well, I can help in so many ways."

Calafiori also stressed that Italy's recent progress under Bonucci is still a work in progress, particularly from set pieces. "Many things have changed in a few days, but it's not like you can see a job done in three days," he added, with the national team's focus now turning to November's fixtures.

With Rice, Gabriel and Saliba all in Ballon d'Or contention and Calafiori himself enjoying an encouraging start to the season, Arsenal's presence on the individual honours stage looks set to be a talking point right through to the ceremony later this month.

Quotes via football.london.