80 passes, 7 aerials won, 5 recoveries: £31m Arsenal star impresses in different position on Int'l duty

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori produced an impressive performance during Italy’s 3-1 win over Estonia in a World Cup qualifier yesterday.

The 23-year-old has been ever-present in the left-back position in the Premier League this term, but he played in a different role for the Azzurri.

Calafiori started on the left side of the back three and still had a top-class showing over 90 minutes.

The Italian ace had 108 touches with 80 out of 87 passes completed – an accuracy of 92 percent.

He was dominant in the air, with seven out of eight aerial duels won. He also made five clearances, five recoveries and three interceptions.

Calafiori made several forward runs from central defence. He created two chances for the Azzurri and had four attempts on goal – none on target.

It was a dominating display from Arsenal’s left-back. The fans will be pleased that he came out of the game unscathed, given his injury woes last term.

The Azzurri host Israel in another World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. A victory would seal second spot in the group and a berth in the play-offs next year.

Calafiori is expected to start in Italy’s backline. He is likely to operate from a similar role in central defence, where he has the freedom to press forward.

Arsenal resume their Premier League season against Fulham on the road after the international break.

Calafiori has been an undisputed starter at left-back over Myles Lewis-Skelly in the league, and the £31 million-rated star looks poised to keep his place.

The former Bologna man has got over his injury troubles last season, and he is currently enjoying the best phase of his playing career for club and country.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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