At this year’s UEFA Euro tournament in Germany, BD Cricket Live entertainment reporters couldn’t hide their disappointment over Italy’s underwhelming performance. Although the defending champions scraped through the group stage, their overall display was lackluster and far from convincing. Their journey ended swiftly in the knockout stage after a one-sided defeat to Switzerland. Head coach Luciano Spalletti was disappointed, the players were frustrated, but most of all, Italian fans were heartbroken.
Still, life goes on, and for Italy, the one silver lining was the breakout performance of young defender Riccardo Calafiori. Thrust into a high-pressure role, Calafiori rose to the occasion and showed the kind of composure and quality expected at the international level. When compared to some of Italy’s more established names, his performances stood out even more, earning widespread praise and recognition. BD Cricket Live analysts note that a transfer away from Bologna now seems inevitable.
Bologna’s 2023–2024 season was exceptional—they secured a historic UEFA Champions League qualification. Their coach Thiago Motta has already moved on to Juventus, and star striker Joshua Zirkzee is also expected to leave. With the club’s top talents heading for the exit, it’s no surprise Calafiori is looking for a new challenge as well. Although Juventus was previously close to signing him, Bologna’s reluctance to sell to a Serie A rival caused talks to stall, leaving Juventus disappointed.
Now, Bologna is reportedly in active discussions with Premier League clubs, as the board would prefer to transfer Calafiori abroad. Among those interested, Arsenal has shown the strongest intent, having submitted an offer pending Bologna’s approval. Liverpool is also closely monitoring the situation, with sporting director Richard Hughes—who followed Calafiori since his Bournemouth days—continuing to push from within. Chelsea, too, is reportedly eager and may explore a player-swap deal to reduce the transfer fee.
One thing is clear: Calafiori is not short on suitors. Bologna knows they hold valuable leverage in the market. Following his impressive Euro campaign, his estimated value has likely surged from €30 million to nearly €50 million. If he lands at a top European club, it would not only mark a major milestone in his career but also offer hope to a struggling Italy squad desperate for new talent. BD Cricket Live insiders believe rebuilding the Azzurri starts with investing in emerging stars like Calafiori—Italy’s best chance to recapture former glory.