Leonardo Bonucci knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a top defender.
Indeed, the Italian centre-back is one of the most decorated players in modern football history.
Bonucci famously scored in the Euro 2020 final as he led Italy to glory, while, domestically, Bonucci won no fewer than nine Serie A titles during his career.
Speaking to LiveScore, Bonucci has been discussing the next generation of Italian defenders, and he was asked to name which Italian defender everyone should keep an eye on.
As ever, Italy have some top defenders making names for themselves at the moment.
Giorgio Scalvini has been linked to some top clubs, while Alessandro Bastoni is a perennial Premier League target.
Interestingly though, Bonucci said that Riccardo Calafiori is someone everyone should look out for, claiming that the Arsenal man is a top player who he loves watching.
Leonardo Bonucci hails Riccardo Calafiori
Bonucci was asked to name an Italian defender who everyone needs to keep an eye on.
The Juventus legend said that Calafiori is one to watch, claiming that he loves his way of playing football and that he’s become a big player.
“Give us one Italian defender that everyone needs to look out for and why?” Bonucci was asked.
“Riccardo Calafiori, he’s a friend and he’s a big personality. I love his was of playing football, and he has become a big, big player in the whole world,” Bonucci said.
Riccardo Calafiori’s record for Italy
At the age of just 22, Calafiori has so much potential and he’s already been shining in the Premier League this season.
Indeed, Calafiori has received plenty of praise for his performances this term domestically.
However, on the international scene, Calafiori and Italy haven’t really been able to get going.
As four-time World Cup winners, Italy are usually amongst the best teams on the planet, but Calafiori’s record for the Azzuri is very ordinary to say the least.
| Riccardo Calafiori record for Italy | |
|---|---|
| Games | 9 |
| Wins | 4 |
| Draws | 3 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Win percentage | 44% |
Calafiori received praise for his performances at Euro 2024, but his record for Italy overall is poor, winning in just four of his nine appearances for his country so far.
Italy haven’t qualified for a World Cup since 2014, and Luciano Spalletti will need to address some key problems if he wants Italy to be back on the biggest stage in 2026.
