September 27th 2024.
In a recent interview, Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli opened up about his feelings regarding Arsenal's acquisition of Riccardo Calafiori this summer. The 22-year-old defender joined the Gunners from Bologna for a whopping £42m, following a successful season in Serie A. Calafiori's debut for Arsenal against Manchester City last weekend was a memorable one, as he scored his first goal for the club with a stunning strike in the first half.
However, it's worth noting that Calafiori's move to the Emirates could have taken a different turn, as he was heavily linked with several other European clubs. One of those clubs was none other than Juventus, and Giuntoli expressed his disappointment with the growing trend of talented young Italian players leaving the country for other top clubs abroad.
"It's saddening to see Riccardo Calafiori leaving Serie A," Giuntoli shared in an interview with Corriere della Sera. "It's not just a regret for Juventus, but for all of Italian football. We need to reflect on why we couldn't keep a player of his caliber in Italy. It seems like all the big teams have taken a defender, except for us."
Despite the disappointment, there's no denying that Calafiori has been impressive so far at Arsenal. Manager Mikel Arteta also had nothing but praise for the young defender and how quickly he has adapted to the demands of Premier League football.
"Calafiori had a brief appearance before he went on international duty and then got injured. So we had to ease him back into the team," Arteta revealed. "But when we threw him into the starting lineup against Manchester City, he was outstanding. He's a really talented player who has integrated well into the group. His understanding of the game is exceptional, and he has the courage and personality to perform at this level."
When asked about the decision to start Calafiori against City, Arteta admitted that he may not have done the same with another player. "But I know how he handles pressure, and he really wanted this opportunity," he added. "So I took the chance, and he proved that he was ready for it."
With Calafiori settling in well at Arsenal, fans can expect to see more of his impressive performances in the future. And with Arteta's trust in him, it's safe to say that he will continue to make a significant impact on the team.
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