Tottenham Hotspur Have Set Their Sights On This Serie A Defender: Good Option For Ange? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Corriere di Bologna (via Sport Witness) stated that Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. It has been stated that Spurs are eager to recruit the Italian centre-back in the summer.

Calafiori’s Impressive Form In Serie A Football

Calafiori is having a solid campaign at the Italian club as he has been responsible for putting in a series of impressive displays at the centre of their backline. The Roma-born talent has made 26 appearances for Bologna this season, picking up one assist across multiple competitions.

The 21-year-old has given a good account of himself on the defensive third of the pitch based on his average of 1.4 tackles, 1.8 interceptions and 2.4 clearances per game in Serie A. He has even been careful when distributing possession from the back based on his pass completion rate of 90% in the Italian top flight (stats via whoscored).

Calafiori’s current contract at Bologna will run out in the summer of 2027 which could make it difficult for Spurs to get a deal done for him at the end of this campaign.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 05: Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna FC in action during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 05, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Is Calafiori A Good Option For Tottenham Hotspur Boss Angelos Postecoglu?

Calafiori is a tough-tackling central defender who can scan the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive. The Italian talent can use his strong 1.88m frame to dominate the opposition attackers in the air. He excels at playing his way out from the back as well.

We can expect Calafiori to add more quality to Tottenham head coach Angelos Postecoglu’s defence. He has what it takes to fight for a regular starting spot at the North London club in the coming seasons.

At 21, there is no doubt that Calafiori is a prospect to watch out for in the future. Hence, he would be a great, long-term option for Spurs to consider in the summer transfer window. The Italian is already good enough to increase the quality of Postecoglu’s match-day squad. However, there are some question marks over whether Calafiori can adapt to the physicality and high intensity of Premier League football if Tottenham manage to get him on board soon.