Arsenal‘s Riccardo Calafiori has cemented himself as a key player for club and country. He has now revealed details of a tactical discussion with Mikel Arteta and his desire to score more goals.
The defender proved key for Italy in their Nations League game against Turkiye on Monday. He found the net when the scoreline was at 1-1, helping the Azzurri pick up a 3-1 win that puts them second in the table.
It was also Calafiori’s first goal for his country. The defender has now opened up about his flexible role with the Gunners and goalscoring abilities.
Motta and Arteta have been key
Calafiori spoke to Rai after the win over Turkiye. He was asked about his performance and the Azzurri’s return to form under Roberto Mancini. But he was also quizzed about his ability to score goals for club and country.
The ex-Bologna man said – via Tuttomercatoweb: “Last year, for example, I was unlucky and could have finished with at least five or six goals!”
Calafiori further stated that he is more than happy to make contributions that don’t involve scoring. He is also focused on being fit.
“This year the season started quite well, but obviously, beyond the numbers, I’m interested in the contribution I make to the team. I try to stay physically fit. In the end, that’s what matters, because when I’m well, I can help in so many ways.”
The Italian was also also asked about his versatility on the pitch and how managers like Thiago Motta and Arteta have impacted that.
“Let’s say it all started with Thiago Motta at Bologna, who left me very free as a central defender, and I felt great that season.”
Calafiori added how important the Arsenal has been to bringing more out of him.
“Then, when I first arrived at Arsenal, it wasn’t exactly like that at first, but I spoke to the manager, and he himself told me that if I have this instinct to attack the spaces, I have to do it, because it comes naturally to me.”
“Obviously, you have do it mentally, with ideas, and at the right times. But when they leave me free, I can express to myself much better.”
| Riccardo Calafiori — season statistics | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | 2026/27 so far |
|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Arsenal | Arsenal | Arsenal |
| Appearances | 29 | 36 | 6 |
| Starts | 16 | 28 | 6 |
| Minutes played | 1,495 | 2,264 | 478 |
| Goals | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Assists | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Goal contributions | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Yellow cards | 7 | 7 | 1 |
| Red cards | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Our take: Fitness key for player
The 24-year-old has a well-documented injury record but things improves last season. That helped Arsenal win the league, with Calafiori playing 26 times and his ability to invert into midfield becoming crucial.
It has become a key weapon for Arteta’s system, as even Myles Lewis-Skelly has often followed the Calafiori mould.
As he mentions himself, the defender has to stay free of injuries. They have held his career back enough in the past and staying fit will take him to the next level.
