William Gallas explains why watching Riccardo Calafiori gave him "bad memories"

The Bologna defender was one of the standout players for Luciano Spalletti in Germany, and his exploits under Thiago Motta brought attention from European sides.

He now appears set to complete a deal to Arsenal, and speaking to Gambling Zone , former Arsenal defender Gallas explained he found watching Italy too painful as he lost to the country in the 2006 World Cup final.

He said: “I didn't really watch that many Italian games at the European Championships. For me to watch the Italian team, you know, it brings back too many bad memories (William lost the 2006 World Cup final to Italy), so that's why I didn't watch them.

“I did however speak to one of my friends who knows a lot about Italian football and asked him what he thought of him. My friend played in Italy for several years and watches Serie A every week – he played for Inter Milan and Lazio, he was a great player, but I’m not going to say who – and he told me that Ricardo Calafiori is really, really good.

“He’s young. He has good quality, and he can play as a centre back or as a left back. I think he would be a good signing for Arsenal because the club doesn’t really have a left back at the moment. There are doubts about that position.”

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