Calafiori reveals what he and Tonali did after latest Newcastle vs Arsenal meeting | OneFootball

Riccardo Calafiori is glad to reunite with his compatriot Sandro Tonali at Arsenal-Newcastle and reveals they swapped shirts the last time they met at St. James’ Park.

Calafiori’s Arsenal host Newcastle on Sunday in the penultimate Premier League round in a reunion between the ex-Bologna defender and his compatriot Tonali.

“I think I’ve only played against him once for a few minutes this season because I was not available in the other games,” Calafiori told Sky Sport Italia.

What Calafiori and Tonali did after Newcastle-Arsenal

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – APRIL 13: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Manchester United FC at St James’ Park on April 13, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

“It was enough to swap shirts. I still haven’t heard from him, but I hope we’ll also meet later with the national team.”

Arsenal have lost three games from three against Newcastle this season, conceding five goals and scoring none. However, Calafiori and Tonali only met once on the pitch this term, during the latest encounter in the EFL Cup semifinal second leg in Newcastle.

Calafiori’s Arsenal sit second in the Premier League table, but Newcastle are just two points below.

“The end of the season has come. Unfortunately, we could not reach the title. We are as focused as ever; the coach wants to get second place,” said Calafiori.

“All those who have played for the entire season are a bit tired physically and mentally. We try to make one final push because it is too important to finish second.”

The ex-Bologna defender recently celebrated the Rossoblu Coppa Italia victory on social media.

Calafiori, 22, has scored three goals and provided two assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this term.

Calafiori and Tonali will likely meet again in June for Italy’s World Cup qualifying matches against Norway on Friday 6, and Moldova on Monday 9.