Calafiori sends Arteta a message over Arsenal starting role

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 8 Sept 2024 10:16 BST
• 3 min read

Riccardo Calafiori sent Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta a timely reminder of his ability during Italy’s impressive 3-1 win over France.

Calafiori started in Friday’s Nations League opener in Paris as Italy secured a stunning victory thanks to goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori.

The new Arsenal signing produced another superb individual display as together with Alessandro Bastoni he comfortably shackled France superstar Kylian Mbappe.

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Calafiori was his usual aggressive self in the tackle and in duels but was equally brilliant in bringing the ball out, breaking the press and making an extra man in midfield.

Although Calafiori was starting on the left of a 3-5-2 formation in defence, he spent much of the game in a double pivot in central midfield alongside Samuele Ricci.

He was forced off with a minor foot injury in the second half but his performance will have put pressure on Arsenal manager Arteta to unleash him from the start for the Gunners.

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Calafiori joined Arsenal from Bologna for €45 million this summer but he has so far only appeared as a substitute as Arteta beds him into the team slowly.

Calafiori in 2023-24

Calafiori was one of the breakout stars of the Serie A season in 2023-24, playing a key role in Bologna’s shock qualification for the Champions League.

A modern centre back, Calafiori has displayed all the qualities and attributes of a potentially top-class defender.

The 22-year-old presses and reads the game excellently. His use of the ball is superb and he is renowned for bringing the ball out of defence and joining in the construction of the play in midfield and beyond. He is aggressive and excellent in the air.

Calafiori was converted from a left back to a centre back by now former Bologna manager Thiago Motta - now the new Juventus boss.

The defender also enjoyed a brilliant Euro 2024 group stage, setting up Mattia Zaccagni’s memorable 98th minute equaliser for Italy against Croatia.