Calafiori best left-back in Premier League, but it’s a new role for Italy

Federico Dimarco’s injury has precipitated a big change to Riccardo Calafiori’s Italy career, as he could be used as a left-back for only the second time, following on from his Arsenal role.

The Azzurri go into the Nations League against Belgium, Turkiye and France, so new coach Roberto Mancini held his first training session today at the Coverciano camp.

Mancini has hinted he wants to adopt a 4-3-3 formation, breaking ranks with Luciano Spalletti and Gennaro Gattuso, who had largely used three at the back.

Calafiori changing Italy role

FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 08: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy in action during a Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 08, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

The coach had intended to use Inter left-sided wing-back Dimarco, but the player pulled out of the squad today with a knee injury, so Aston Villa’s Matteo Ruggeri was called up instead.

Calafiori was tested out there today, and that is a very big change from his usual Italy position, which in all but his debut was in the back three.

The exact spot varied from the left side to central or on the right of that trio, occasionally clashing with Alessandro Bastoni.

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The only time in 14 senior caps that the former Bologna defender played as a left-back for Italy was in his brief debut off the bench in a 0-0 friendly against Turkiye in June 2024, replacing Dimarco.

It might seem remarkable for Arsenal fans or followers of the Premier League, considering so far this season several pundits have called Calafiori “the best left-back” in the division.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal which was later ruled out for offside during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

In 71 competitive games for Arsenal, the Italian has scored five goals with seven assists.

There was just one assist for Italy, during the 1-1 EURO 2024 group game against Croatia.