98% passing, 8 recoveries, 3 chances created: £42m Arsenal star dazzles on international duty despite 2-0 defeat

Arsenal left-back Riccardo Calafiori delivered an impressive performance for Italy despite their 2-0 Nations League defeat to Belgium in Rome.

The Azzurri started their Nations League campaign against the Red Devils and conceded early after an error paved the way for Mika Godts to score.

Italy tried to get back into the game, but Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced some fine saves.

Dodi Lukebakio made it 2-0 for the visitors in the 69th minute with a splendid long-range goal, which pretty much put the result beyond the Azzurri’s reach.

Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives to carry forward. Calafiori was one of the bright spots from left-back and caught the eye with his forward runs.

The 24-year-old had 75 touches and completed 98 percent of his passes (64/65) on the night.

He made eight recoveries and contributed in the final third, creating three chances for his teammates.

Calafiori lost possession on just three occasions and played through the entire 90 minutes.

Italy suffered a 2-0 loss in Roberto Mancini’s return as manager and will aim to make amends when they take on Turkey on the road in their next Nations League game on Monday.

Calafiori has had injury troubles in the past due to his high workload, and it remains to be seen whether he makes the starting XI. The £42 million signing could be given a breather.

Matteo Ruggeri was called up as a replacement for Federico Dimarco recently, and the Aston Villa man could start at left-back when the Azzurri take on Turkey away from home.

After Monday, Italy travel to France for their next game before hosting Turkey. We feel Calafiori could come on as a substitute in Bursa, though Mancini may have other plans.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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