Stefano Pioli’s men carried their fine form from last season into the new campaign when they started their 2020/2021 season with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Bologna on Monday.
The Milanese club are gearing up for an Europa League third qualifying round game against Norwegian giants FK Bodo/Glimt on Thursday and Calabria has warned his side to be wary as he thinks there are no easy matches in Europe.
“There are no easy matches in Europe. If we look at the past, many clubs, especially Italians have struggled against less famous clubs,” the AC Milan academy graduate told Milan tv.
“We have everything to lose, but if we play with the same determination we have been showing lately, then a team like Milan can’t fear any other team in the world.
“We must aim for the top. The desire to win has to be the same no matter the opponent.”
The 23-year-old is establishing himself as one of the most important players for Pioli, having made 25 league appearances last season, Calabria was in the starting line-up in Milan’s recent victory over the Red and Blues.
The Italian has admitted he has gained the requisite confidence and is pleased with Pioli showing faith in him.
“I put behind me what was bothering me to focus only on football and this has helped me and the whole team,” Calabria added.
“We are all doing very well. It’s really important to play with a clear mind.
“The coach has shown his faith in me, allowed me to play more attacking and we are all seeing the results of this.
“I hope we can continue like this, we are only at the beginning. Individuals can make the difference.
“There are strong individuals in the team, but [the results] also depend on how the group are doing psychologically and we are confident.
“We have belief and it’s not something to be taken for granted. We’re going through a positive period both physically and mentally.
“We are obtaining the results we want on the pitch. All of this together helps the team and the club.
“From defence we can see the whole pitch. Lots of the young lads are doing well, such as Alexis [Saelemaekers], players who come from a foreign League. It’s not easy to start as well as he has."
