Mercato
Riccardo Calafiori hints at potential Bologna exit
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Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori has reportedly agreed to join Juventus, according to Foot Mercato.
The move comes after Calafiori’s impressive season at Bologna, where he overcame a significant injury and thrived under the tutelage of soon-to-be Juventus coach Thiago Motta.
In a recent interview with Sportweek (via Ilbianconero), he revealed his approach to recovery, stating: “Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I did something else. I worked, sweated, and hoped. I grew mentally. When I recovered, my father gave me the nickname ‘Ruspa’ because I was unstoppable, I didn’t stop for anything.”
Calafiori’s impressive performances haven’t gone unnoticed, and his reported agreement to join Juventus comes after a season where he blossomed under Motta.
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The defender spoke highly of Motta’s influence, crediting the coach for his tactical development and newfound confidence.
He added: “It all starts from the freedom the coach gives you. Motta immediately saw me also as a central defender: with him, I learned a ton of things. It’s his philosophy; it doesn’t matter who goes, but that space must be attacked and exploited. Without fear and always using your personality.”
He went on to describe Motta as “revolutionary, intelligent, rigorous, and precise,” highlighting the coach’s impact on his game.
Motta is reported to be eager to reunite with Calafiori at Juventus, wanting him to pair with Gleison Bremer in central defence.
Calafiori expressed his fondness for Bologna, the city, and his teammates in the interview. However, when he was asked about leaving the club, the 22-year-old added: “I would miss everything about Bologna: the city, the people, my teammates, and Motta.”
The allure of Champions League football and playing under Motta again appears to be too strong to resist. His ultimate dream, as revealed in the interview, is to win the Champions League, but he also shared his feelings about Bologna’s Champions League qualification.
“Qualifying for the Champions League came from the unity we have, the team we have become. We enjoy ourselves, and I believe everything was well-deserved,” the defender said.