Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as one of the best centre defenders in Serie A this season with Bologna, impressing enough to earn himself a place in Italy's EURO 2024 squad.
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https://keonhacaitructiepbongda.com/The 21-year-old defender joined the Emilia-Romagna side from FC Basel last summer in a deal worth around €4 million, a fee that seems like a bargain in retrospect. He spent just one year in Switzerland before returning to Italy, eager to prove himself after spells with Roma and Genoa.
Thiago Motta has won widespread praise for his incredible campaign with Bologna, putting them on track to secure a place in the Champions League for the first time in their history. While much has been written about stars like Albert Gudmundsson and Joshua Zirkzee, other individuals have not received enough attention.
Calafiori has shined for the Rossoblu this season, providing two assists and displaying classy defending across 27 matches with the club. Meanwhile, he also impressed while playing for Italy's Under-21 team, providing two assists in seven appearances for Carmine Nunziata's side. This midfielder also attracted the attention of Juventus and Tottenham.
Looking deeper, we can clearly see why Calafiori has become a key figure in Thiago Motta's Bologna squad this season. He is a modern centre-back, ready to shine when the ball is at his feet.
Compared to his peers in Europe's top five leagues this season, the 21-year-old clearly stands out in a number of areas. He averages 1.72 shot creation opportunities and 1.13 dribbles per 90 minutes.
An active and creative centre-back, Calafiori is the driving force in Bologna's build-up play. He often breaks into the opponent's half, making tactics elegant with his dribbling and passing abilities.
The Bologna defender also defends very well, impressing with 2.01 interceptions and 1.47 clearances per 90 minutes. He has tactical acumen with the ability to position himself to block attacks, rather than relying on his body and precise tackles.
Looking at statistics from Sofascore on Calafiori this season, the influence of the Italian talent is clear to see. He covered the left side of the half of the field for Bologna. The Italian U21 international's ability to penetrate was also shown, as well as occasionally breaking into the opponent's penalty area.
Considering the 21-year-old's incredible year in Emilia-Romagna, it's clear why Luciano Spalletti should call on him when calling up his squad for the European Championships in Germany.
Calafiori, despite his lack of experience, is clearly one of the most exciting emerging Italian talents. It's probably only a matter of time until he becomes a regular starter at the Azzurri. Therefore, Spalletti allowing the Bologna midfielder to gain playing experience this summer is the right thing to do, even if it's just in a match that isn't too important.
