The defender signed for Arsenal after an impressive season with Bologna, who exceeded expectations and qualified for the Champions League under Thiago Motta.
Calafiori then went on to have a great EURO 2024 with Italy despite his nation being knocked out early.
Mikel Arteta was a big fan of the signing, and has been impressed with how the defender has adapted to English football:
“Really good. Obviously, he came, had a little glimpse then he went on national duty and got injured.
“We had to manage him again and then we throw him against Man City away for the first Premier League start and I think he was superb.
“He’s really good, he’s adapted really well to the group, his understanding is exceptional and you see he’s a player with an enormous courage and personality to play, so he’s going to give us a lot.”
Riccardo Calafiori leaving Italy is a regret for everyone- Giuntoli
Arsenal managed to snap up Calafiori from some of Italy’s biggest clubs. Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli says a player of Calafiori’s quality was allowed to go too easily:
“He’s a regret for the whole Italian football, not only Juventus. We must think about the fact that we didn’t have the strength to keep a player of his level in Italy. All big teams signed a defender, but not him.”
Italian defender backed himself to succeed
Calafiori scored his first goal for Arsenal in their 2-2 draw against Manchester City. The defender curled a lovely effort from just outside the box into the net to tie the game at 1-1.
Before the game, Calafiori said he backed himself to break into the Arsenal team that had one of the best defensive records in the league last season:
“It’s a huge challenge but I knew that already before I came and I can give my qualities, my skills to the team and I’m happy to do it. I know I can give more, for sure,” said Calafiori.
“The competition is good because it pushes everyone in training and in the game as well.”
“I am already settled in. The team has been amazing with me and now it’s time to play,”
“The training has been different but, as I have said before, everybody is ready to help me. They are doing really good for me, I’m learning quickly so now I can stay on the pitch and help the team.”
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