Why lively Calafiori deserves Italy faith for Euro 2024

Riccardo Calafiori has emerged as one of the most electric centre backs in Serie A this season with Bologna, doing enough to earn himself a spot in Italy’s Euro 2024 squad.

The 21-year-old defender joined the Emilia-Romagna outfit from FC Basel last summer in a deal worth around €4m, a fee that looks a bargain in hindsight. He spent just one year in Switzerland before returning to Italy, keen to prove himself after his spells with Roma and Genoa.

Thiago Motta has won much praise for his incredible campaign with Bologna, putting them on track to secure a spot in the Champions League for the first time in their history. Whilst much has been written about their stars like Albert Gudmundsson and Joshua Zirkzee, others have gone under the radar.

Calafiori has shined with the Rossoblu this term, providing two assists and showing his defensive qualities across 27 games with the club. In the meantime, he’s also impressed whilst on international duty with the Italy Under-21 squad, generating two assists across seven caps, and has attracted the attention of Juventus and Tottenham.

Calafiori – Under the surface

Looking deeper, it’s clear to see why Calafiori has become a key figure in Thiago Motta’s Bologna squad this season, being a modern and progressive centre back that shines with the ball at his feet.

Compared to his defensive peers across Europe’s top five leagues this season, the 21-year-old clearly stands out in a number of areas, producing 1.72 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes on average and 1.13 progressive carries per 90.

A positive and inventive centre back, Calafiori is a driving force in Bologna’s build-up play, constantly seen breaking into the opponent’s half as he helps progress play with his dribbling and passing abilities.

The Rossoblu defender is no slouch defensively either, impressing with his 2.01 interceptions per 90 and 1.47 blocks per 90. He shines when using his tactical intelligence and positioning to stop attacks, rather than relying on physicality and an incisive tackle.

Examining Sofascore’s heatmap of Calafiori this season, the Italian talent’s influence is clearly visible; he dominates the left side of Bologna’s half, providing coverage up and down their first two thirds. His ability to break through the lines is also seen, as well as his rarer forays into the penalty area.

Considering the 21-year-old’s incredible year in Emilia-Romagna then, it’s obvious to see why Luciano Spalletti should give him the call ahead of this summer’s European Championship in Germany.

Calafiori, whilst inexperienced, is clearly one of the most exciting emerging Italian talents and it’s only a matter of time until he becomes a regular in the Azzurri, so giving him some tournament experience this summer could prove invaluable, even if he struggles for playing time.

Words: Apollo Heyes

Thanks to Football Italia commentator Albert for the suggestion.