Former Italy centre-back Marco Materazzi believes that Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori could become ‘one of the world’s best’ under Mikel Arteta.

Calafiori joined the Gunners in a £42m deal from Bologna in July 2024, but endured an injury-affected first season in north London.

The Italian made just 19 Premier League appearances last season, but regular injuries meant Myles Lewis-Skelly was often preferred by Arteta at left-back.

However, after seemingly putting his injury struggles behind him, Calafiori has emerged as Arteta’s first-choice left-back and has started all five league games so far this season.

At just 23, Calafiori still has his peak years ahead of him and Materazzi believes his fellow countryman could go on to achieve great things for club and country if he continues

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