Calafiori wants to conquer Europe with FCB

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For two thousand years there has been no trace of Romans in Basel. Until last summer when Riccardo Calafiori (20), who went through the entire Roma academy, came to FC Basel. As a defender, he forms the backbone and is crucial to the discipline and order of the vanguard. Just like a centurion should do.

The surroundings of Basel are of great importance in the history of the Romans. Around 15 BC. The then world rulers established Augusta Raurica as their colony capital. Today it is home to Switzerland’s largest archaeological park with the most impressive Roman theater north of the Alps. “Really very beautiful,” says the modern Basel centurion Calafiori when he sees the theater. These levels could seat a maximum of 10,000 spectators.

A mentality monster

The Basel Arena, which Calafiori knows better, is a bit bigger. St. Jakob Park can accommodate nearly four times as many people and is six miles west as the crow flies. Calafiori wants to reach the final of the Conference League against his compatriots from Florence on Thursday. “Now that we are in the semi-finals, we want to make it to the final.”

When Calafiori sets his mind to something, he wants to achieve it. He showed early on how strong he is mentally. In October 2018, aged just 16, he tore all the ligaments, capsule and meniscus in his left knee during a Youth League match. The left knee was gone. “That same day, the doctors told me that not only was my career in jeopardy, but that I could walk at all.”

The long way back

This is a bad joke, Calafiori thought to himself. “I play in Serie A,” he confidently told the doctors. “I immediately figured out how to return as soon as possible.” After surgery in the US and a long rehabilitation, he put his announcement into effect on August 1, 2020.

Calafiori made his debut in Roma’s 3-1 win over Juventus. He prepared a goal and scored one himself, which was disallowed. With the first career goal, he succeeded a few months later. In December, he scored a hammer box against YB in the Europa League. Switzerland was apparently in his fate.

“It Really Is”

He didn’t really know the Super League before his move. “It is difficult to watch the games in Italy.” Meanwhile, he didn’t necessarily have the best picture of life in this country. “I was told it is very cold in the winter. Now I can say: it really is.” With the many competitions, the cold season passed quickly in any case.

Meanwhile, Calafiori, who lives in Rheinfelden, feels completely at home. “I really like it here,” he says. Next to the square, he especially appreciates the tranquility. “I have a lot less distractions here. But if you play football professionally, that might help a bit.” In addition, the Swiss are much more reserved than the Italians. “If someone recognizes you, they will think twice before asking you for a photo.”

Impressed with the fan culture

“It’s two worlds,” he says, comparing it to his hometown. But not when it comes to fan culture. “Here you live all year round and especially on match days for FCB.”

Calafiori is satisfied with his personal development on the field. He now no longer only plays as a left back, but mainly as a central defender in a back three. The Basel centurion has a clear goal for the remaining matches. “I want to go to the Conference League final and win it.”

Source : Blick