Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, spoke out in a recent interview with Corriere della Sera about his displeasure with Riccardo Calafiori’s summer move to Arsenal. When asked about Calafiori’s move to Arsenal. It’s sad not being able to keep Riccardo Calafiori in Serie A, ‘It’s a regret for all of Italian football, not just for Juventus, he stated.
The 22-year-old Italian defender, who joined the Gunners from Bologna for a reported fee of £42 million, has already made a significant impact at his new club. However, his departure from Serie A has left a void that Giuntoli and many in Italian football deeply feel.
Giuntoli revealed that Juventus had been keen on securing Calafiori’s services. The club had even agreed on personal terms with the player, but ultimately, Arsenal’s persistence paid off. “It’s sad not being able to keep Riccardo Calafiori in Serie A,” Giuntoli admitted. “It’s a regret for all of Italian football, not just for Juventus”.
Since his arrival in North London, Calafiori has quickly adapted to the Premier League’s demands. He made his first start for Arsenal in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester City, where he also scored his debut goal. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Calafiori’s courage and personality, highlighting his seamless integration into the team.
Giuntoli’s comments reflect a broader concern within Italian football about the exodus of young talent to foreign leagues. “We need to question ourselves about not having had the strength to keep a player of his calibre in Italy,” he stated. This sentiment underscores the challenges Serie A clubs face in retaining their top talents amid increasing competition from Europe’s elite clubs.
While Juventus missed out on Calafiori, Giuntoli remains focused on the club’s long-term strategy. He emphasized the importance of balancing competitiveness with financial sustainability, a principle that guided their recent transfer activities. Despite the setback, Juventus continues to aim for success both domestically and in Europe.
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