What Arsenal fans can expect from Riccardo Calafiori

Cameron Smith

29 Jul 2024 18:06 BST
4 min read

Arsenal have snapped up Bologna and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori.

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The 22-year-old was one of the most highly sought-after players in world football following his immense performances at Euro 2024 and the Gunners have now landed his signature

Chelsea and Juventus were also interested in landing Calafiori.

Mikel Arteta’s side ultimately presented the most attractive project and quickly turned his head, now making him their second summer arrival following David Raya’s permanent move from Brentford.

With Calafiori now a Gooner, what can Arsenal fans expect from the Italian?

What Arsenal fans can expect from Riccardo Calafiori

In Calafiori, Arsenal are signing one of the best defenders in Serie A.

Last year, the Italy international, who starred at Euro 2024, played a key role as Bologna miraculously qualified for the Champions League for the first time since the 1960s.

Naturally a left-back, Calafiori was converted into a centre-back by Thiago Motta last season and he has been a revelation in this new position.

© IMAGO - Riccardo Calafiori is set to join Arsenal

The 22-year-old reads the game extremely well and this was evidenced by the fact only two Serie A centre-backs registered more interceptions in 2023-24.

In addition, Calafiori is superb on the ball. He is an excellent distributor from deep, while his main attribute in possession is his ball-carrying ability.

The Italian isn’t afraid to step out of the defensive line to drive forward with the ball and this was on full display with his mesmerising assist for Mattia Zaccagni at Euro 2024.

Furthermore, no centre-back in Serie A notched more assists than Calafiori (five) last season.

He is comfortable defending out wide, is a mean aerial presence and is simply fearless on the ball. Calafiori oozes class and he frequently takes the game by the scruff of the neck - something you can’t say for the majority of centre-backs.

However, while Calafiori spent the entirety of last season, and Euro 2024, at centre-back, he is expected to play as a left-back at Arsenal.

STATS

Riccardo Calafiori

D (CL)

Bologna

Riccardo Calafiori

D (CL)

Bologna

37

Games
2

Goals
5

Assists

He has vast experience in this role and given Gabriel’s immense form at left centre-back, it’s unlikely that Calafiori will get the nod in that role.

Instead, he is likely to be deployed similarly to Josko Gvardiol at Manchester City, with Arsenal moving to a defensive system with arguably four central defenders - just like Pep Guardiola’s side.

Calafiori is also comfortable inverting into midfield, suggesting he could replicate Oleksandr Zinchenko’s role if needed.

All in all, Arsenal are signing a top player and he will play a key role as the Gunners look to end their Premier League drought.