Riccardo Calafiori grew up in Rome and came through Roma’s academy, but a serious knee injury as a teenager slowed his progress. After loans in Italy and a spell at Basel in Switzerland, he joined Bologna in 2023.
At Bologna he became one of Serie A’s most exciting defenders, stepping into midfield from centre-back as the club qualified for the Champions League. He was one of Italy’s best players at Euro 2024.
Arsenal signed him that summer. Calafiori can play at centre-back or left-back and is known for his energy and ball-carrying.
Playing style
Calafiori is an energetic, left-footed defender who can play at centre-back or left-back. He likes to step into midfield with the ball and is comfortable carrying it forward. He is also strong in the tackle and good in the air.
International career
Calafiori made his Italy debut in 2024 and was one of Italy’s best players at Euro 2024.
Career in numbers
Across 8 seasons of senior club football, beginning in 2019/20, Calafiori has played 163 matches and scored 9 goals for 5 clubs. The 2024/25 season, with 3 goals from 29 matches for Arsenal, remains his highest tally. His busiest campaign was 2023/24, with 37 appearances. So far in 2026/27 he has 1 goal in 6 appearances for Arsenal. The full season-by-season record is in the Stats section of this profile.
