Compilation of Riccardo Calafiori's masterclass for Italy vs Croatia is really special, he is the future

A compilation of Riccardo Calafiori's performance for Italy in their 1-1 draw against Croatia is going viral for all the right reasons as Liverpool continue to be linked.

The highly-rated defender, who was Bologna's standout performer last season as the Serie A side secured European football for the first time in 22 years, is being strongly linked with a move.

A number of Premier League clubs have inquired about Calafiori, according to The Athletic, who suggest West Ham, Newcastle United and Brighton are keen on bringing the centre-back to England.

Liverpool are also interested. In fact, many fans following this summer's European Championship have identified Calafiori as someone who would flourish under new manager Arne Slot.

That was no different on Monday night as the 22-year-old dropped an impressive defensive display in their final game of Group B – a dramatic 1-1 draw with Croatia.

Calafiori, who was not dribbled past once in the entire game, won all of his aerial duels.in Leipzig and completed 93 per cent of his passes.

The defender also created more chances (4) than any other player, and assisted Mattia Zaccagni for his last-minute winner.

Here's how fans on social media reacted to his performance.

One said: " Riccardo Calafiori is a special player, Liverpool give Bologna what they want," while another commented: "This guy has it all, The complete modern defender."

A third wrote: "I've never seen a centre back this good on the ball."

A fourth said: "Not giving this guy his man of the match was disgusting. Football needs to do better nowadays. I can't remember when last a defender impressed me this much. Him, Pepe and Nathan Ake have be solid in this Euros."

A fifth added: "He didn't put a single foot wrong in the entire match. Colossal performance for a 22 year old playing his first senior international tournament."

Riccardo Calafiori vs Croatia. pic.twitter.com/61R8jXmWOn

— 𝙀𝙢𝙖𝙙. (@jnevesera) June 24, 2024

Calafiori earned rave reviews from Italy legends Fabio Capello and Alessandro Del Piero after his Euro 2024 debut against Albania.

"Calafiori was never scared, it looked like he played 70 games for Italy," Del Piero told Sky Italia, while Capello added: "I didn't think someone making his debut could show this much personality. No fear."