Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori received deserved praise from Alessandro Del Piero and Fabio Capello after his Euro 2024 debut.
The 22-year-old started at centre-back for Gli Azzurri in their 2-1 win against Albania in Germany on Saturday.
Calafiori, who plays for Serie A side Bologna, featured in just his third international appearance for Italy.
But his performance caught the eye of many fans who watched on, especially former internationals Del Piero and Capello.
“Calafiori was never scared, it looked like he played 70 games for Italy,” Del Piero, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, reportedly said to Sky Italia.
Former England boss Capello added: “I didn’t think someone making his debut could show this much personality. No fear.”
Calafiori was selected in Italy’s squad for Euro 2024 following a strong season at Bologna in which they finished fifth in Serie A.
He scored two goals and offered five assists across 37 appearances in all competitions and has attracted interest from the Premier League.
Journalist Nicolo Schira has reported that a Chelsea scout attended Italy’s win over Albania in Dortmund to monitor Calafiori.
The Blues’ new head coach, Enzo Maresca, is said to want the defender but Calafiori would prefer a move to Juventus.
An agreement in principle is reported to be in place for a contract until 2029, with Bologna asking for €40million as Calafiori’s previous club FC Basel will receive 50 per cent of the sale fee.
Calafiori could very well be set to start for Italy again in their next match at Euro 2024 which comes against Spain on Thursday, live on talkSPORT, kick-off 8pm.
Luciano Spalletti’s side then face Croatia in their final Group B game on June 24 ahead of the knockout stage.
Italy are on course to reach the last 16 and continue their Euros title defence and Calafiori could be the key to making is consecutive triumphs.
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News Summary:
- Chelsea linked Riccardo Calafiori earned rave reviews after Euros debut with Italy
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