Italy international Riccardo Calafiori made his Arsenal debut in this afternoon’s 2-0 friendly win over Olympique Lyonnais, already playing two different roles.
The defender turned 22 in May and saw his profile sky-rocket after an impressive set of performances at EURO 2024, where he was playing as a centre-back.
The Gunners won a bidding war with Juventus to sign him for €45m plus another €5m in add-ons from Bologna, though are expected to use him more as a left-back than in the middle of the defence.
Calafiori showing versatility at Arsenal already
It was in this role that he made his debut as a substitute in the 2-0 pre-season friendly victory over Lyon, where he stepped onto the turf at the Emirates for the first time.
However, once ex-Spezia player Jakub Kiwior came on, Calafiori joined him as a centre-back.
When representing Bologna last season, the Italian started only two matches at left-back, playing the rest in the centre of defence.
He finished the campaign with two goals and five assists in 33 games between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
Riccardo Calafiori, enter stage left. #AFC pic.twitter.com/S96QmhTK7s
— Amy Lawrence (@amylawrence71) August 11, 2024