Riccardo Calafiori: Stats suggest Italy media wrong to savage Arsenal star vs Belgium

The Italian media were critical of Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori after Friday's 2-0 defeat to Belgium in the Nations League.

Goals from Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio downed Roberto Mancini's side, who failed to find the net in Roma.

The 24-year-old started at left back but was not given quite the same freedom to roam as he has under Mikel Arteta.

Calafiori has been superb for Arsenal this season given exactly that, having already scored a goal and provided two assists in just six appearances.

There is hope that a summer away from football due to Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup will have been hugely beneficial for the former Bologna star, who struggled for fitness in his first two Premier League seasons.

Calafiori made just 33 Premier League starts across two seasons, having experienced various knee and muscle injuries.

Italy media do not hold back on Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori certainly did not have his best game against Belgium, but it was not his worst, either.

The defender was caught out of position attempting to chase the game in the build-up to Lukebakio's goal, with the winger enjoying plenty of space to run into before picking his spot.

Calafiori also was dispossessed once and uncharacteristically only took two touches in the opposition box.

But there was plenty to like about his performance, too - the Arsenal man misplaced just one of his 65 attempted passes, two of which were long balls.

He also took two shots and created three chances, with only one Italian on the pitch having created more.

And defensively, Calafiori held his own. He was not dribbled past once, making a tackle, a block, a clearance and eight recoveries - the joint-most of any outfield player.

Yet the Italian media were highly critical. Sky Sports in Italy gave the left back just a 4.5 out of 10 and wrote: "You'd certainly expect more from someone of his international calibre.

"He struggled in defence and was only able to support the attack with a few passes. He left his flank unprotected during Lukebakio's second goal. Evaporated."

Tuttosport were slightly more generous and gave Calafiori a 5.5, and said that "he misplaces his passes a bit too often."

"And he rarely sees the ball progressing, a weapon that usually works but was completely absent last night: the only time he managed it, he almost scored," the outlet added.

Arsenal hold breath over Calafiori

While Arsenal will hope to see Calafiori playing just as well at international level as he is at the club level, their main concern will be with his fitness.

On at least two occasions, the left-back has had to return to North London for treatment after suffering problems with Italy.

Freak injuries and muscle problems have seemed to crop up more commonly when the 24-year-old is away from the Emirates Stadium, and there will be fear of the same problem occurring.

This international break will also see Italy play Turkey twice and France, with Arteta undoubtedly hoping to see Calafiori rested.