Liverpool transfer candidate Riccardo Calafiori delivers a stunning performance and secures Italy a place in the round of 16 of the Euro 2024

Italian centre-back Riccardo Calafiori, who has been linked with Liverpool, produced a spectacular performance as the Azzurri secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2024 European Championship with a 1-1 draw against Croatia.

Croatia had taken the lead through Luka Modrić and had managed to push Italy back, but in the final minutes Calafiori took charge and secured Italy’s place in the next round.

The Bologna defender rolled from defence to attack and laid the ball off to Mattia Zaccagni, who skilfully fired the ball past Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and into the net, giving Italy the equaliser.

This result put Italy second in Group B behind Spain. La Roja defeated Albania to secure maximum points.

In addition to the assist, Calafiori was outstanding throughout the game, completing 57 of his 61 passes against the 2018 World Cup finalists.

He also showed the creative side of his game, creating one great chance and making three key passes. Defensively, he was solid, making five clearances and winning 100% of his aerial duels.

Calafiori showed why Liverpool are reportedly fighting for his signature. The 22-year-old is a rumoured target and his performance justified the interest in him.

The Rome-born defender was one of the tournament’s standout players, delivering a sensational performance against Albania but scoring the own goal that gave Spain the victory over Italy.

Calafiori proved to be robust and returned with a brilliant performance, putting himself back on the transfer card.

Calafiori will be an excellent replacement for Virgil Van Dijk, who is entering the final year of his contract and the autumn of his career.

Van Dijk can help the former Roma defender get used to the Premier League before eventually taking over.

Liverpool fans have long wanted a left-footed centre-back and Calafiori could be the man for that role. He can also replace Andy Robertson at left-back.

Signing Calafiori could prove to be a stroke of genius, especially as the Reds will be missing their preferred candidate Leny Yoro, who wants to move to Real Madrid.