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Calafiori Shines in Italy’s Win After Cementing Arsenal Left-Back Role

Italy deployed him on the left of a back three, giving the 23-year-old more freedom than in Mikel Arteta’s system.

Overview

  • Riccardo Calafiori played the full 90 minutes on the left of a back three in Italy’s 3-1 victory over Estonia.
  • He recorded 108 touches, completed 80 of 87 passes at 92% accuracy and won seven of eight aerial duels.
  • His defensive line included five clearances, five recoveries and three interceptions, alongside two chances created and four shots.
  • He said he is enjoying the added freedom with the national team, contrasting it with his more disciplined club role.
  • He has established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly, and he is expected to start again when Italy face Israel.