Calafiori was solid for Italyplaceholder image
Calafiori was solid for Italy | Getty Images
Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori played a role in keeping a clean sheet for his nation on Friday.
Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori was in action on Saturday when the represented Italy in a comfortable win over Estonia. Italy have been a real mixed back when it comes to qualifying campaigns over recent years, and this campaign has been no different.
The Azzuri are currently third in their group, three points behind Israel in the playoff spot and six behind leaders Norway but with a game in hand over both. That made the game with Estonia a must-win, and Italy obliged with a comfortable 5-0 win.
Moise Kean, Giacomo Raspadoni and Alessandro Bastoni scored, while Mateo Retegui scored a brace. Calafiori played 90 minutes at centre-back, a position he is well versed in but has not been playing at Arsenal. Arteta prefers the left-footed defender at left-back, allowing him to make the most of his attacking capabilities.
Calafiori actually caught Arsenal’s attention by playing at centre-back for Italy at Euro 2024. He looked just as solid for the most part on Friday night, with the Italian media all agreeing on the same rating, which was 6.5, Here are what three different Italian media sites said about Calafiori, and all three agreed upon that same rating
Sky Sports Italia said: “There were a few slip-ups this time, but his contribution to the build-up is consistent and high-quality. He found a nice space for Retegui to shoot instead of finishing to Politano.”
EuroSport said: “Riccardo CALAFIORI 6.5 - For 45 minutes, he was a huge presence in the Azzurri midfield, acting as an extra element. He also performed well in defence.”
Corriere dello Sport reasoned: “Calafiori 6.5: Elegant, he alternates with Bastoni in construction, in his preferred role, until he pushes into the enemy ranks, causing havoc (remember Croatia?).”
Arteta will be pleased to see the Italian doing well as he looked to step things up and enjoy a better run of fitness in his second season with the Gunners,
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