Manager praises Arsenal ‘leader’ after emotional 1st international goal

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori scored his first international goal for Italy during a 3-1 victory over Turkiye on Monday. Calafiori headed home from a free-kick in the 64th minute at the home stadium of his former club Bologna, shortly after Turkiye had equalized. Following the match, Italy head coach Roberto Mancini praised Calafiori, labeling him an extraordinary leader technically and physically.

Calafiori reflected on the emotional strike, stating that playing and scoring at his former ground was particularly meaningful. The win leaves Italy in second place in their Nations League group with two matches remaining, keeping them on track to qualify for the quarter-finals.