Riccardo Calafiori

Classy defender Riccardo joined us before the start of the season, after starring for Italy at Euro 2024. 

An imposing, intelligent left-footed defender who can play in the centre of the back line or at left back, Riccardo made his full debut for Italy in June 2024, then started all three group games at the Euros. 

At 22 years and 27 days, he became the second youngest Italian, after Paolo Maldini, to play at the European Championships, and contributed an assist in the 1-1 draw with Croatia. 

Last season, he impressed with Bologna, being named Serie A Player of the Month for May, and helping his side qualify for the Champions League. 

Before that, he spent one season with Swiss Super League side FC Basel, who he joined from boyhood club Roma. He made his debut for Roma as an 18 year old in 2020, having recovered from a serious knee injury in his youth days. After 18 first-team appearances for Roma, he had a brief loan spell with Genoa before moving to Switzerland. 

An attack-minded, composed defender, he has been a youth international since the under-15 age group, and also represented his country at under-16, -17, -19 and -21 levels before progressing to full honours.