Riccardo Calafiori's Italy absence raises Liverpool concern but door now open for Arne Slot

Any Liverpool fan tuning in to Euro 2024 on Saturday may have been left feeling disappointed, and a little concerned, with Riccardo Calafiori’s absence .

The 22-year-old missed Italy’s last-16 clash against Switzerland, which saw the defending champions crash out of the tournament after a 2-0 defeat. It means there might not be any more opportunities to see Calafiori in action before a potential transfer this summer .

The defender has been linked with a move to Anfield , although his performances in Germany will no doubt have earned him plenty of admirers, and some competition for the Reds. His absence on Saturday may have also raised some alarm bells.

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Calafiori missed the first knockout game of the tournament through suspension, having picked up two yellow cards during the group stages. Given his importance to Luciano Spaletti’s side this summer, his lapse in discipline might just raise some concerns for Liverpool fans.

Nevertheless, with Italy now out of the competition, the door is open for Arne Slot and Richard Hughes to go after their first signing at Liverpool. Although it has been suggested that the former doesn’t see center-back as an immediate priority , a new defender would certainly suit the Reds this summer.

Calafiori undoubtedly fits the bill as well. As a left-footed option, he would offer something the Reds don’t currently have at center-back, and at just 22, his peak years are still well ahead of him.

What’s more, his current club Bologna seems as though it would be open to letting him move to Anfield . According to The Mirror , the Italian club is resigned to losing Calafiori, given the growing interest in him thanks to his performances at the Euros.

Bologna though is reluctant to do business with Juventus after the Turin club poached their boss Thiago Motta. Instead, they would favor selling to an English club, which would no doubt play into Liverpool’s hands.

And the other usual roadblock for the Reds, Real Madrid, is not believed to be interested in Calafiori, despite reports to the contrary. The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham are said to be in the race, but there can be little doubt that the path is opening up for Liverpool should it want to pursue a deal.

Bologna will likely demand a fee in excess of $51m (£40m/€47m), but with no PSR concerns unlike many of their rivals , that should be well within the Reds’ reach. The door is well and truly open for Slot to secure the first signing of his reign.