Riccardo Calafiori’s Bold Move Backfires as Bologna Triumph Without Him
Football is full of dramatic twists, but few stories this season have been as ironic—and poetic—as the tale of Riccardo Calafiori. The talented Italian defender made a bold move last summer, leaving Bologna for Premier League giants Arsenal in search of trophies. On paper, it seemed like a step up: Arsenal were on the rise under Mikel Arteta, challenging for titles, stacked with talent, and hungry for silverware. Bologna, on the other hand, were seen as a mid-table Serie A side still building for the future.
But as the 2024–25 season comes to a close, football has once again reminded us that the script doesn’t always follow expectations.
While Calafiori settled into life in North London, Arsenal’s campaign fell just short. Despite competing fiercely on multiple fronts, the Gunners ended the season empty-handed. They finished second in the Premier League, exited the Champions League in the knockout rounds, and came up short in domestic cup competitions. For a team tipped to finally break their title drought, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
Meanwhile, back in Italy, something magical was unfolding in Bologna—a club that hadn’t lifted a major trophy since before Calafiori was even born. Against all odds, they defied expectations and went on a stunning run, eventually clinching their first piece of silverware in decades. The city erupted in celebration. For Bologna fans, it was the culmination of years of patience, passion, and pride. And for Calafiori, watching from afar, it must have been bittersweet.
It’s not that Calafiori didn’t improve or develop at Arsenal. He showed glimpses of brilliance, adapted well to the English game, and looked every bit a player with a bright future. But football, as always, is judged by moments—and trophies. And in that regard, the move that was supposed to elevate his career came with an unexpected twist: the club he left behind made history without him.
There’s a certain irony in the timing. Calafiori departed Bologna in hopes of quicker success, only for the club to deliver exactly that the moment he left. Sometimes, the pursuit of glory leads you away from it.
Of course, this doesn’t mean Calafiori made the wrong decision. Arsenal remains a world-class club with the resources and ambition to win big in the coming years. His development in the Premier League could prove crucial for his long-term career, and at just 23 years old, time is firmly on his side.
But football is a game of stories as much as statistics. And this one—the young star who left home chasing trophies, only to watch his old club taste glory without him—is a reminder of how unpredictable and emotional this sport can be.
As Bologna basks in the glow of their historic triumph, and Arsenal regroups for another push, one thing is certain: Riccardo Calafiori’s journey is far from over. But the story of this season will be remembered for the one he left behind—the club that finally won… without him.
