Calafiori set for full Arsenal debut in important Premier League clash against Man City

Arsenal's Italian defender #33 Riccardo Calafiori reacts during the pre-season friendly football match for the Emirates Cup final between Arsenal and and Lyon, at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 11, 2024. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL / AFP) (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Italy international Riccardo Calafiori has been named in the Arsenal starting line-up for the first time since his move from Bologna in the summer, and will line up against Premier League champions Manchester City in a massive game on Sunday afternoon. 

Calafiori earns first Arsenal start against Man City

The 22-year-old is expected to start at left-back, with first team mainstays Gabriel and William Saliba assuming their regular roles at centre-back. Jurrien Timber completes the back four on the opposite side. 

Though most typically used as a centre-back during his time with Bologna and the Italy national team, Mikel Arteta has deployed Calafiori on the left flank during his first substitute appearances for the Gunners. 

He has played 59 minutes in an Arsenal shirt so far this season, appearing off the bench in the Premier League on two occasions against Aston Villa and Brighton, plus a 17-minute run-out in the Champions League against Atalanta on Thursday. 

Calafiori joined Arsenal in a €50m move from Bologna, where he was part of the historic team that gained Champions League qualification for the first time since the 1960s.