Photo: Pietro Luca Cassarino / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Riccardo Calafiori scored after just 23 seconds as Arsenal beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield, giving the Gunners an ideal start to the 2026/27 campaign.
The Italian defender opened the scoring with a composed finish past compatriot Gianluigi Donnarumma, the move involving a defensive trio of Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Calafiori himself.
"There's no better way to start a season," Calafiori said. "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."
On three defensive players combining for the opener, he added: "It's crazy. It gives you an idea of our identity, our intention. It doesn't matter who stays in that part of the pitch, but you have to fulfil the role."
New signings Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes also caught the eye at Cardiff, with Greek winger Tzolis registering two assists on his Arsenal debut.
Calafiori credited the club's environment for allowing new arrivals to settle quickly. "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. Great performance, especially from Christos and Bruno. He's the newest on the pitch, so I really like him as well," the Italian said.
Arsenal begin their Premier League season in five days, with Calafiori expressing his eagerness to carry the momentum forward.