'At first I was scared' – Nottingham forest defender Ola Aina reflects on his time at Torino

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has opened up about his time in Italy with Serie A side Torino, describing the experience as both intimidating and transformative. 

In a candid interview with Versus, the 28-year-old Nigeria international detailed how the move abroad in 2018 impacted his development, both on and off the pitch.

"Going out to Italy — at first I was scared, man. But once I got out there, it was an experience that I cherished,” Aina said, recalling his move from Chelsea to Torino. 

While he was no stranger to independent living, relocating to a different country introduced a new level of challenge. 

"I knew how to live on my own, but living on my own abroad was a whole different thing," he added.

Aina’s move to Torino came at a critical stage of his career, offering him consistent first-team football and exposure to the tactical rigour of Italian football. 

Serie A is widely regarded for its defensive discipline, and Aina quickly found himself adapting to a style of play that demanded more precision and awareness.

"Then on the pitch stuff, there was a different style of play, different ways they coached me," he explained. 

The Italian game, steeped in structure and strategic nuance, required Aina to refine his skills and rethink how he approached his role as a full-back.

"I really honed my defending. Italy’s known for its defensive tactics. So yeah, I learned a lot there — football-wise and personally," he said.

His time in Turin saw him make a strong impression, playing regularly during the 2018-19 season. 

More importantly, the experience instilled in him a sense of resilience and adaptability that has since become central to his career. 

Now a key figure at Nottingham Forest, Aina’s growth since his Serie A spell is evident in his performances in the Premier League.

Looking back, Aina views his time in Italy as a defining chapter. The challenges he faced, both cultural and tactical, helped shape the player — and person — he is today. 

What began in fear ultimately became a foundational period in his football journey.

Wale Adejumo

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