With Riccardo Calafiori’s big-money move to Arsenal expected to be completed soon, Wayne Girard argues that the Italian can now develop into an all-round centre-back and be the catalyst in getting the Azzurri back to World Cup qualification.
An audacious left-footed volley off of a set-piece put Roma up 2-1 over Young Boys in the 2020-21 Europa League group stage. The strike was one of elite talent, but No.61 was a relatively unknown defender from the Primavera known as Riccardo Calafiori. There’d been a bit of a buzz surrounding him from those who knew the inner workings of Trigoria as he showed great capabilities in the youth sector.
Yet this wasn’t the first time the youngster had scored a goal of such nature. At the beginning of that season, he was given a surprising start—and professional debut—against Juventus in August, scoring a very similar goal (although it was incorrectly ruled offside). Calafiori even drew the penalty that started Roma’s 1-3 comeback win.
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It was, of course, too early to deem him ‘Italy’s new Maldini,’ but he seemed destined to become a great wing-back, with a keen ability to read the game and great ball anticipation at such an early age. The defining moment in his career came not in Rome though, or even Thiago Motta’s Bologna, but during a transfer abroad with Basel that would derail this linear route on the flank.
Towards the end of the 2022-23 season, he had a talk with interim manager Heiko Vogel, who told the Italian that if he wanted to maximise his career, he needed to move centrally as he lacked the pace to be a wing-back at the highest level. Upon a move back to Italy, this decision would prove to be fortuitous, as Calafiori then co-led assists for centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues the following season, and was the spearhead of Bologna’s defence with the most aerial duels and interceptions won on the team.
These statistics are enlightening, but with a major move to Arsenal, it will be difficult to get time in the Gunners’ central roles. Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, have matched each other 79 times over the past two seasons, while Gabriel and Ben White are more than competent depth. It’s not exactly an area they’re in need of, as Mikel Arteta’s side conceded just 29 times in the league.
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But if he’s re-slotted onto the left, which is where he will have the greatest chance of gaining minutes, he will return to international duty at a greater calibre. Calafiori is adept at breaking the lines from centre positions, crossing, and making those bursting runs like we saw as he manufactured Italy’s Euro 2024 draw against Croatia, which fits perfectly into the Spaniard tactician’s possession-based, adventurous football.
If the centre-backs anchor the defence and offer Calafiori greater liberty in taking space, Arteta could have a hybrid player to disrupt opponents’ strategies and blocks. Could this be the move that finally gets him the English Premier League title?
But it’s not just about offence. He needs to develop defensively as a left-back, reading the game in a different manner than when playing centralised. If his previous coach saw speed as a weakness, he will have to mature in positional awareness in the fastest league in football. If Arteta decides on three centre-backs, he will have an ace up his sleeve in Calafiori, whose unique skill set has made him worth the flying price tag.
The 2026 World Cup is on the horizon, and Italy have failed to qualify for the previous two editions. If the Azzurri are to wake up from this nightmare, Calafiori’s guidance as a superbly versatile defender shall be the catalyst.
By then, Acerbi will be too old but mind you, with him, Italy would’ve NEVER lost that match against the Swiss.
They also would’ve never won the Euro2020 without him (or Mancini + Immobile who had so much stick hey he scored 3 goals) .
Truth is Italians don’t appreciate their players when they have to and cry when they have nothing better…
Wayne Girard aka Vulpinous from big soccer thought Mourinho would save Roma. These are the quality reporters you have nowadays?
How sad