Former Juventus striker Fabrizio Ravanelli believes Riccardo Calafiori could be the ‘new John Stones’ if he were playing for Manchester City. Calafiori has enjoyed a breakout season with Bologna, drawing the attention of Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus. Speaking with Tuttosport (via TMW), Ravanelli gave a glowing endorsement of the young centre-back, explaining why he thinks the youngster is set for a big future:
“I really like Calafiori, and signing him would be a great move,” Ravanelli remarked. “If Calafiori were playing for Manchester City, he would be the new Stones. He’s a perfect fit for Guardiola’s style because he can play various defensive roles. Calafiori excels at starting attacks, as well as in marking and passing. Moreover, he seems to have a strong personality. In short, he would be an excellent addition to the team.”
Regarding the coaching staff, Ravanelli emphasized the importance of strengthening the squad with players who embody the Juventus spirit. “In my opinion, it’s crucial for the management to bolster the squad by bringing in players who understand what it means to play for Juventus,” he stated. “Whether Allegri remains in charge or Motta takes over, if we don’t acquire 4-5 key players, it will be difficult to compete for major titles.”
Ravanelli also highlighted several players already in the squad who he believes can form the foundation for Juventus’ resurgence. “Apart from Bremer and Chiesa, we have players like Danilo, Vlahovic, and Rabiot who can lead the team,” he noted. “I’m confident that Fagioli’s return will prove to be a valuable asset. Additionally, I would place a strong emphasis on nurturing the talents of youngsters like Soulè and Yildiz. These players should form the core of the team, supplemented by high-quality signings, to restore Juventus’ competitiveness.”
