Arsenal fans got their first look at summer signing Riccardo Calafiori in action against Lyon this afternoon.
Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 win against Lyon in their final pre-season friendly to get their hands on the Emirates Cup.
However, on this occasion, Mikel Arteta will have been far more interested in the performance his side produced rather than the result. The Gunners started well, with plenty of intent, and went 1-0 up via a William Saliba header inside 10 minutes.
Matching his centre-back partner, Gabriel Magalhaes nodded in a goal of his own midway through the first half. Several Arsenal players impressed in this match, and got some vital minutes into their legs.
Perhaps the biggest ovation of the day, though, came with around 25 minutes left to go in the game, when Riccardo Calafiori was introduced for his non-competitive debut. The Italian summer signing received a rapturous ovation from the Emirates Stadium faithful, and looked keen to get on the ball throughout his cameo.
Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal is challenged by Gift Orban of Olympique Lyonnais during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Olympique …
Arsenal fans give verdict on Riccardo Calafiori after debut
Many Arsenal fans on X were keeping a keen eye on Calafiori whilst he was on the pitch, and had good things to say about the 22-year-old.
One fan said: “He looks so good in our colors.”
Another stated: “A very solid looking footballer and at first sight a player with a lot of substance.”
Reflecting upon Calafiori’s impressive showings at Euro 2024 earlier this summer, one supporter claimed: “If you’d have seen this a day after Italy got the result v Croatia in the Euros, it wouldn’t have been believable. We got a prime age Italian out of Italy. Love it.”
Another fan added: “We bagged a baller.”
What is Mikel Arteta’s plan for Calafiori?
One of the things that will have attracted Arteta to the former Bologna man is his versatility. He is comfortable playing at both left-back and in the heart of the rearguard. It is likely that he will feature in both roles for the Gunners at some stage.
However, it is believed that Arteta primarily plans to use Calafiori at left-back. In this position, he can put his attacking instincts to good use, but the Gunners will also be reassured by his physicality and defensive solidity.
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