Bologna concluded the season with only six losses, boasting the third-best defence in Serie A, surpassed only by Inter and Juventus, with much of the acclaim going to Calafiori.
The Italian defender will now need to integrate into an Arsenal backline that was the most formidable in the last Premier League season, allowing just 29 goals.
Unlike William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Ben White, Calafiori presents a distinct profile.
His style operates along vertical pathways but also expands horizontally while waiting for the perfect opportunity to present itself. He will provide the Gunners with another dependable option for ball progression from the back.
He is capable of performing on the left or as a left centre-back in a four-man defence, as well as in a three-man setup, a role he embraced during Euro 2024.
Having only one season at the elite level under his belt, he made 26 appearances in the top flight for the Rossoblu, helping them secure a fifth-place finish last season.
However, that performance was sufficient for Italy’s manager, Luciano Spalletti, to choose him as a regular starter for the Azzurri in Germany, where he met expectations and caught the eye of several major European clubs.
Under Motta’s guidance, Calafiori transitioned smoothly from Basel to Bologna. Mikel Arteta will need to assist him in making a similar adjustment in London to maximize his potential.
It’s a significant leap, and the Italian may require time to acclimate. Premier League football is notably quicker than Serie A, with players afforded less time to make decisions and facing a grueling schedule of physically demanding matches.
Nevertheless, Calafiori possesses the attributes necessary for success: commendable technical skills, football acumen, physical resilience, tactical awareness, and humility.
He will thrive within the preferred playing style of his new team, which flows as smoothly as Bologna’s.
On a more aesthetic note, his portrayal during the Euros bore a striking resemblance to that of many legendary Azzurri veterans such as Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, and Alessandro Nesta, catching the attention of those who appreciate style.
If Calafiori’s career trajectory aligns with those legendary predecessors, the Gunners supporters can rest easy for the coming years.
