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Riccardo Calafiori hails perfect Arsenal start in Community Shield win

ยทBy Paul Vegas
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Riccardo Calafiori hails perfect Arsenal start in Community Shield win

Arsenal/X.com

Riccardo Calafiori says opening the scoring inside half a minute of the Community Shield was the perfect start to Arsenal's 2026-27 campaign.

The Italian struck for the second successive season-opener against Manchester opposition, this time turning home a low finish from the edge of the box within the first minute of the 3-0 win over Manchester City at the Principality Stadium, setting Arsenal on their way to the first trophy of the season.

Calafiori's goal came from a swift break involving three defensive-minded players, with Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly combining to send the left-back through to slot past his fellow Italian, Gianluigi Donnarumma.

"There's no better way to start a season," he said, reflecting on the moment. "I was a bit surprised to receive the ball. I made the run with the intention to receive the ball, but it was an easy pass because Myles did amazing, and then I just tried to put it in the goal."

Calafiori pointed to the goal as a reflection of the collective mentality instilled at the club, regardless of individual roles on the pitch. "It's crazy [three defensive players combined]. It gives you an idea of our identity, our intention," he said. "It doesn't matter who stays in that part of the pitch, but you have to fulfil the role."

Arsenal's dominant display in Cardiff was further underlined by contributions from two of the club's newest arrivals, with winger Christos Tzolis providing two assists and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also catching the eye on his first outing in Arsenal colours. Calafiori credited the squad's culture for helping both settle in so quickly, having gone through the same experience himself after his own move to north London.

"I think it's also our way of receiving new players. It's so easy for them to settle in. When I joined, I had the same feeling," he said.

"I have to say, great performance, especially from Christos and Bruno. He's the newest on the pitch, so I really like him as well."

With the Premier League season now just days away, Calafiori made no secret of his eagerness to build on Saturday's statement win. "I cannot wait [for the season to start], thank God we play in five days' time! I'm really happy."

The victory, secured with further goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, gives Arsenal their second Community Shield in three years and offers an early marker of intent as Mikel Arteta's side look to defend their Premier League title against a Manchester City side working under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Arsenal now turn their attention to the Premier League opener, with Calafiori's early impact this season adding to the sense that last year's title triumph has left the squad hungry for more rather than satisfied.