"I'm sorry about his transfer" - Juventus legend says he would have loved to see Arsenal target Riccardo Calafiori join the Serie A giants
Leonardo Bonucci is disappointed to see Juventus likely miss out on Riccardo Calafiori to Arsenal. The Italian left-back is headed for the Emirates after a superb Euro 2024 campaign, where he was a standout performer for Gli Azzurri.
The Juve legend wishes the Bologna defender had moved to the Allianz Stadium. He told Sky Sport:
"I'm sorry about his transfer. I would have liked to see him at Juventus."
Juve were seemingly frontrunners to sign Riccardo Calafiori, 22, before the European Championships. The tournament allows clubs from abroad to get a glimpse at talent they were perhaps unaware of heading into the competition.
That appears to be the case with Arsenal, as they are reportedly set to beat Juve and Real Madrid to Calafiori's signature. The Gunners have agreed on a deal with Bologna worth around €50 million (£42 million).
Bonucci gave Mikel Arteta an insight into what the five-cap Italy international brings to the table:
"He's a defender who's a little different to what we're used to seeing. He plays, has personality and fits in. We're 'exporting' a great player who will be a point of reference for the national team for the next 15 years."
Riccardo Calafiori was Italy's shining star at Euro 2024, appearing in three games. The Arsenal target provided a crucial assist in Gli Azzurri's 1-1 draw with Croatia, ensuring they advanced from their group.
Bonucci's claim that he will be a point of reference for the national team speaks volumes of the expectations on Calafiori's shoulders. Italy are renowned for producing some of the greatest defensive talents in the world. Fabio Cannavaro, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, and Bonucci are four iconic Italian defenders who made their mark in Europe.
Ex-Juventus manager Fabio Capello hailed Arsenal-bound Riccardo Calafiori on his Euro 2024 debut
Riccardo Calafiori made an immediate impact for Italy at Euro 2024 on his first appearance at a major tournament. He was excellent in a 2-1 win against Albania, making three interceptions and winning three of six ground duels and all three of his aerial duels.
Fabio Capello watched Calafiori in action alongside fellow Juve legend Alessandro Del Piero. The two were mesmerized by his performance, with the former Old Lady boss telling Sky Italia:
"I didn't think someone making his debut could show this much personality. No fear."
Calafiori had only earned two caps before Euro 2024, both of which came in international friendlies. His rise at Bologna stunned Italian football last season, as he appeared 37 times across competitions and scored two goals and five assists.
Arsenal was the strongest defensive side in the Premier League last season, conceding just 29 goals. Arteta had his men performing courageously at the back, and several of his defenders are versatile. Calafiori fits his vision to a tee, as he can play at center-back and left-back.