Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has made a strong impact since joining the club in summer 2024. After an impressive season with Bologna and the Italian national team at the European Championships, he has settled well in North London. However, he still has aspirations of returning to the Italian top flight.
According to Italian transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Calafiori expressed that he has unfinished business with his first club, AS Roma, where he did not have the chance to celebrate with fans due to COVID-19. He stated, “I want to return to Roma at some point. I can’t predict the future, but it’s unfinished business for me. I was 18, it felt like a dream at Roma. But then COVID happened, and I couldn’t celebrate with Curva Sud.”
While Arsenal supporters wouldn’t want to lose a key player, it could make for an inspiring story if Calafiori returns to Roma after winning titles in England. His return as a seasoned champion could help lift Roma back to the top of Serie A.
Jose Mourinho briefly led Roma in their quest for European silverware, and now Gian Piero Gasperini is working to secure their place in the Champions League again. Since Calafiori’s time at Roma, the team has made progress, building on his 10 appearances from 2020 to 2022, which included a loan to Genoa.
Even Arsenal supporters might find it appealing for Calafiori to make a celebrated return to Rome—though likely only after achieving more success in England.