Calafiori feels he can ‘play in any position’ at Arsenal after first UCL goal | OneFootball

Italy and Arsenal star Riccardo Calafiori admits it ‘wouldn’t be easy’ to play as a striker, despite showcasing impressive effectiveness in the final third and putting his name on the scoresheet in his team’s emphatic 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of the Champions League last-16.

The former Bologna defender first set up Leandro Trossard’s fifth goal of the night with a neat assist, before scoring his first-ever Champions League goal with a trademark striker’s movement and clinical finish.

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – MARCH 04: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s seventh goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between PSV and Arsenal FC at PSV Stadion on March 04, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Calafiori: ‘I would be ready to play in attack’ if Arsenal coach asked me to

The 22-year-old was visibly pleased with his performance and claimed he would be ready to play up front if coach Mikel Arteta asked him to, but conceded that he couldn’t guarantee consistency, as he has ‘never done it before.’

“I enjoy the victory and my first goal in the Champions League; it’s a dream come true,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia after the match.

“As I’ve always said, I feel capable of playing in any position, and of course, I would be ready to play in attack.

“That being said, honestly, we need to discuss technical and tactical aspects, and it wouldn’t be easy because I’ve never done it before.

“Of course, if asked, I would do it, but I’m not sure if I can truly be an alternative in that role.

“One thing is being already in attack, another is arriving there from behind, which is a totally different thing, and that’s something I do well.”

Calafiori also took to social media to express his satisfaction with his achievement, posting an Instagram story celebrating his first goal in the major European competition.