Italy international Riccardo Calafiori scored a stunner on his full debut for Arsenal in their Premier League heavyweight clash against Pep Guardiola’s reigning Champions, Manchester City.
The former Bologna centre-back was given his first start in Arsenal colours on Sunday afternoon, having registered three cameo appearances off the bench in both the Premier and Champions League following his €50m move in the summer.
Mikel Arteta gave him the nod to start at left-back, while first-team mainstays Gabriel and William Saliba assumed their natural roles at centre-back.
The Gunners fell 1-0 behind to an Erling Haaland strike after nine minutes, but got themselves level through Calafiori’s super bending effort.
The versatile defender picked up the ball from Gabriel Martinelli on the cut-back, before adjusting his body to send a first-time left-footed effort curling past Ederson and into the top corner of the net with 22 minutes on the clock.
Calafiori scores screamer on Arsenal debut
“It’s a BEAUTY!” 😍
What a moment for Riccardo Calafiori! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/B56ZJC88mu
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 22, 2024