Riccardo Calafiori sends Liverpool perfect message as Arne Slot discovers bargain transfer priority

Riccardo Calafiori proved exactly why he'd be the perfect signing for Liverpool during Italy's 1-1 draw with Croatia on Monday night. The 22-year-old defender dragged Luciano Spalletti's side to the Euro 2024 knockout stages, providing the assist for the last-ditch equaliser.

Luka Modric fired his country ahead shortly after half-time to finally break the deadlock. Then, in dying embers of stoppage time, Calafiori collected the ball and marched into midfield, spearheading one final attack on the Croatia backline.

The Bologna defender approached the penalty area before slipping a pass to his left, where he found Mattia Zaccagni completely unmarked. The Lazio winger curled a beautiful effort into the top corner, igniting absolute pandemonium at the Leipzig Stadium.

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Thanks to Calafiori's moment of magic, Italy finished second in Group B and booked themselves a place in the round of 16. Not only did the Italian provide his country with the all-important assist, but he also put in a valiant performance at the back.

Operating on the left of a back-three, Calafiori completed 93 per cent of his passes, he created more chances (four) than any other player on the pitch and he won all of his aerial duels. The Bologna ace also wasn’t dribbled past once in the entire game.

Calafiori has started each of Italy's three games at Euro 2024, and he's expected to continue playing a key role in Spalletti's side for the remainder of the tournament. Gli Azzurri will now begin preparations for their tie against Switzerland in the round of 16 on Saturday, June 29.

In the meantime, the £16.9m-rated defender continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Premier League. In fact, according to Italian newspaper Corriere di Bologna and The Athletic, Liverpool are interested in the Bologna ace, who sees his contract expire in June 2027.

The report states West Ham, Newcastle United and Brighton are also keen. Interestingly, in an interview with Vocegiallorossa in 2022, Calafiori named the two Premier League clubs he'd like to play for one day.

"I have two images: going back to Italy, perhaps in Rome," he said. "Or my dream would be to play in the Premier League. I really like West Ham or Chelsea."

Regardless of Calafiori's allegiances, it's clear that he'd be a superb signing for Liverpool this summer. After missing out of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea last year, the Reds have even more reason to poach the Italian.