Calafiori receives high praise from Ravanelli, tipped to emulate Stones at Manchester City under Guardiola

Former Juventus forward Fabrizio Ravanelli has recommended Manchester City to consider signing Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori in the upcoming summer transfer window, likening him to John Stones under Pep Guardiola's management.

Calafiori Could Be 'new Stones' For Man City
Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images and Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Fabrizio Ravanelli, the former Juventus striker, has suggested that Manchester City should consider acquiring Riccardo Calafiori, a target for Bologna, during the upcoming summer transfer window. Ravanelli believes that Calafiori could potentially emulate the role played by John Stones under the management of Pep Guardiola.

The 21-year-old Italian defender has played a pivotal role in Bologna’s remarkable journey this season, demonstrating reliability in defense while also contributing offensively as the team aims for its inaugural qualification for the Champions League.

Calafiori’s standout performances have earned him recognition as one of the most promising defenders in Italy, drawing interest from clubs such as Juventus and Tottenham ahead of the transfer window.

In an interview featured in today’s Tuttosport, Ravanelli expressed admiration for Calafiori, endorsing him as an ideal fit for Manchester City. Ravanelli emphasized Calafiori’s versatility in defensive duties, praising his ability to initiate attacks, defend effectively, and exhibit quality passing skills. Additionally, Ravanelli noted Calafiori’s strong character, affirming that he would be a valuable addition to any team.

Discussing Juventus’ offseason plans, Ravanelli stressed the importance of bolstering the squad with significant signings, regardless of whether Massimiliano Allegri remains as coach or a new manager like Thiago Motta takes over.

Ravanelli also identified key players Juventus should build around, including Bremer, Chiesa, Danilo, Vlahovic, and Rabiot. He highlighted the potential impact of Fagioli’s return and advocated for investing in promising talents like Soule and Yildiz to strengthen the team’s foundation and enhance competitiveness.

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori

Defender, Midfielder

ItalyItaly

Age: 22

188 cm

kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 27 7 Missed
Minutes 2092 77.5 Avg
Goals 0 0.0 Avg
Assist 4 0.1 Avg
Attempt 18 0.7 Avg
Passes 1619 60.084.5% AvgSucc
Yellow 3 0.1 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 26 times for 2012 minutes for Serie A.

Riccardo Calafiori didn’t score any goal for Bologna. He procured 3 assists. He received 3 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 4th in Serie A. In the last match Bologna drew 0-0 against Frosinone.

Bologna performance and stats

Bologna

Manager: Thiago Motta
Rank 4th
Win 17
Draw 12
Loss 5
Goals 49-27
Diff 22

Bologna is currently 4th in the Serie A with 58 points.

In the last 31 games, it has won 16 times, drawn 10 times, and lost 5 times. In its last match, Bologna drawn 0-0 against Frosinone.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 45 goals and conceding 25.​

John Stones

John Stones

Defender, Midfielder

EnglandEngland

Age: 30

188 cm

70 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 15 19 Missed
Minutes 1043 69.5 Avg
Goals 1 0.1 Avg
Assist 0 0.0 Avg
Attempt 6 0.4 Avg
Passes 794 52.985.8% AvgSucc
Yellow 2 0.1 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 5 times for 334 minutes for Champions League.

John Stones didn’t score any goal for Manchester City. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 3rd in Champions League. In the last match Manchester City drew 3-3 against Real Madrid. The next match in Champions League will be against Luton Town.

Manchester City performance and stats

Manchester City

Manager: Josep Guardiola
Rank 2nd
Win 24
Draw 7
Loss 3
Goals 82-32
Diff 50

Manchester City is currently 1st in the Champions League with 18 points.

In the last 9 games, it has won 8 times and drawn once. In its last match, Manchester City drawn 3-3 against Real Madrid.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 18 goals and conceding 7.​