Antonio Rüdiger, the defender for Real Madrid and the German national team, is no stranger to the limelight, especially as he prepares for an important match against Italy in the UEFA Nations League. In a recent press conference held on March 19, 2025, Rüdiger discussed his past experiences and current standing in the world of football, notably reflecting on his time in Italy.
During this pre-match talk, held the day before the highly anticipated clash on March 20, 2025, Rüdiger was keen to express how significant his time in Italy was, particularly during his two years with AS Roma. “For me, Italy was very important in the past; I learned a lot defensively,” he stated. Rüdiger also fondly remembered Italian cuisine, adding with a smile: “Italy has the best pasta and the best cuisine.”
When asked about the Italian footballing landscape, Rüdiger highlighted the prestige of several clubs, mentioning AS Roma, Napoli, Juventus, Inter, and AC Milan as “big, important clubs.” His deep appreciation for the Italian game was palpable, though he clarified his current commitment lying with Real Madrid, where he has been thriving since making the switch from Chelsea.
“In football, you never know, but I’m very happy where I am and I’m not thinking about what the future holds,” he said, indicating a settled disposition at the Spanish giants despite the allure of his Italian roots.
As discussions turned towards current Italian defenders, Rüdiger did not hesitate to praise Alessandro Bastoni, identifying him as the finest defender in Italy today. “I think that Italy has always had great defenders. Especially Bastoni in recent years has had a steady growth and seems like a leader at Inter,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of leadership on the pitch.
In relation to another promising talent, Riccardo Calafiori, Rüdiger stated, “I know Calafiori from the time at Roma when he was in the youth team: he had a serious injury but made a great comeback. Now he’s at Arsenal, enjoying his first experience away from Italy.” He acknowledged that while Calafiori has a bright future, Bastoni holds the top spot among Italian defenders.
Rüdiger’s remarks have added a layer of excitement leading up to the match against Italy as fans eagerly anticipate the clash on March 20. The game is significant beyond just the competition, as it represents a reunion of sorts for the defender with the country that shapes so much of his professional journey.
As he prepared for the showdown, Rüdiger encapsulated the sentiment by stating, “In Italy there are clubs like Roma, Napoli, Juventus, Inter, Milan—great, important clubs—and the best food.” His blend of affection for Italy’s culture and his current commitment to Real Madrid illustrates the complex tapestry of loyalty and professional ambition that defines top athletes in football today.
As the clock winds down to match time, Rüdiger stands not only as a player ready to defend his current team's honor but also as a representative of the rich legacy of defenders that Italy has contributed to the footballing world.
