Riccardo Calafiori’s first season in England will end with a bittersweet feeling after missing out on lifting a long-standing burden with former club Bologna.
The 22-year-old signed for Arsenal last summer following a standout EURO 2024 campaign, when he became the second-youngest Italian defender to play at the championships.
Mikel Arteta acquired the full-back for a reported £42m, as per BBC Sport, impressed by Calafiori’s performances for Bologna. Much debate was had over the signing, with Arteta’s former teammate highlighting his worries over the move.
The starlet played a crucial role as I Rossoblu finished fifth to seal a Champions League spot in the 2023/24 Serie A campaign, but has had to watch on this term as his former side have gone on to enjoy even greater success.
Bologna win the Coppa Italia
For the first time since 1974, Bologna have won a major honour after running out 1-0 victors over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final.
Dan Ndoye netted the all-important goal in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, latching on to a loose ball in the box before lashing home to write his name into Bologna folklore.
It was the third time the Emilia Romagna-based club have won the competition, and the first in 51 years, when they bested Palermo on penalties.
The wait will have made the victory eternally sweet for the Bologna supporters, but all the more sore for Calafiori, who is yet to enjoy similar successes with Arsenal.
Riccardo Calafiori will go trophy-less this season
After moving to the Emirates Stadium with the promise of trophies and glory, the young defender will end his first term with the Gunners empty-handed.
Arteta’s side haven’t been able to hold a candle to Liverpool this year, with the Reds romping to their 20th league title, leaving the competition in their dust. The North London club have dropped 21 points from winning positions, a worrying statistic which shows why Arsenal won’t be crowned champions.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 1 |  |
36 | 25 | 8 | 3 | 83 | 37 | 46 | 83 |
| 2 |  |
36 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 66 | 33 | 33 | 68 |
| 3 |  |
36 | 20 | 6 | 10 | 68 | 45 | 23 | 66 |
| 4 |  |
36 | 19 | 8 | 9 | 67 | 43 | 24 | 65 |
| 5 |  |
36 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 62 | 43 | 19 | 63 |
| 6 |  |
36 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 56 | 49 | 7 | 63 |
This will make Bologna’s success even more bittersweet for Calafiori, as the 22-year-old hasn’t been able to replicate similar triumphs during his first season in England.
Ironically, Arteta mentioned winning trophies as a key objective when he brought the Italian in last year.
“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies,” the Arsenal boss stated upon Calafiori’s signing.
The Gunners reached the Champions League semi-finals this season for the first time since 2009, dispatching holders Real Madrid thanks to Declan Rice’s stunning free-kick double. In the end, European success wasn’t meant to be, as PSG broke Arsenal hearts in the semi-finals.
However, it hasn’t been all bad for Calafiori. Despite struggling with injury woes, the prospect has enjoyed some massive high points, scoring important goals against Manchester City and Wolves.
After watching Bologna’s joy from afar, Calafiori will be even more determined to help Arsenal and Arteta clinch a major honour next season.
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