Mikel Arteta has given Riccardo Calafiori one trait that the Italian media has picked up on

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori has been unstoppable so far this season, and that is translating to the international stage.

The defender has been Mikel Arteta’s first-choice at left-back so far this season, despite the availability of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

It points to just how impressive Riccardo Calafiori has been, with plenty of freedom to roam around for Arsenal.

That hasn’t just been the case for his club, but for country too, with his latest display for Italy in World Cup qualification action.

• READ MORE: Forgotten Arsenal star who hasn’t played since 2022 shines on international stage as captain

Riccardo Calafiori given ability to roam for Italy just like Arsenal

Riccardo Calafiori has impressed for Arsenal this season, and it’s no surprise that his performances have kept him in the team.

The defender has been given the freedom to roam, often creating space for others with the unexpected positions he can appear in.

It’s the sort of chaos not expected from a player under Mikel Arteta, but it has added a different dimension to the team.

That trait handed to him by the Arsenal manager has truly maximised his quality, and that has now impacted his role for the Italian national team.

Calafiori recently started as a left centre-back in a back three, as he was given the freedom to roam from his position with the protection already set at the back.

It was something that Calciomercato picked up on in Italy’s win over Estonia, as they gave the Arsenal star a seven out of ten rating.

They said of his performance: “Well protected by Di Lorenzo and Bastoni, he always had the freedom to advance and build alongside Dimarco.”

Despite being a defender, he has all the attacking qualities to cause even the best teams some problems.

He will be looking to use that quality in the remaining World Cup qualifiers, and it’s desperately needed for Italy.

• READ MORE: Shaun Wright-Phillips says ex-Tottenham striker would be perfect for Arsenal now, it’s not Kane

Riccardo Calafiori faces a challenge to reach the World Cup with Italy

While Italy recorded a much-needed win over Estonia in qualifying, they still have a huge mountain to climb to reach the World Cup.

The Azzurri sit six points behind Norway, who top their group, with one game in hand and a head-to-head to come.

While that is one positive, the issue then comes down to goal difference, with Norway on 26 and Italy on just seven.

It means some thrashings are needed in the remaining games, with Italy and Calafiori facing the very real possibility of needing the play-offs to qualify for the World Cup.