Il Corriere dello Sport hails Riccardo Calafiori as one of the new Italy leaders after convincing performances at EURO 2024 and a summer move to Arsenal.
Calafiori is expected to start in a three-man defence for Italy against France on Friday, and despite his lack of international experience, the ex-Bologna star is already seen as an Azzurri leader.
Thursday’s printed edition of Il Corriere dello Sport on page 26 highlights how Calafiori’s status at Coverciano has quickly changed as the 22-year-old made his senior Italy debut only a few days before the start of the Euros last summer and impressed fans and pundits during the tournament.
Chiesa and Calafiori to be difference makers in different ways for Liverpool and Arsenal
He made three appearances at the Euros, and even though he scored an own goal in a 1-0 loss to Spain, he provided a vital assist for a late Mattia Zaccagni equaliser against Croatia, which allowed the Azzurri to qualify for the knock-out phase.
Calafiori served a one-match ban against Switzerland in the Round of 16.
He joined Arsenal for €50m after lengthy negotiations between the Gunners and Bologna, and Il Corriere dello Sport notes that Calafiori has already become an Italy ‘senatore’ – leader, in other words – after such an impressive summer.
You mean after he scored for Spain in the Euros?
How far our Italy has fallen. A guy who had one good season at Bologna, moved to a club that hasn’t won a title in 20 years where he sits on the bench is now the new Italy ‘leader’. Very sad. previously anyone playing overseas wouldn’t even get in the Italian squad, let alone start.
is he even going to see the pitch much at Arsenal?
What the hell is he wearing ??? Arsenal , the red and white team that plays in green , navy, sky blue , pink , in fact every colour under the rainbow to sell more merch . Bit like Milan‘s any colour will do approach!