The latest Premier League weekend brought a mix of performances and concerns for Italian footballers. Riccardo Calafiori continued his impressive form for Arsenal, delivering two crucial assists. Federico Chiesa once again featured as a substitute for Liverpool. However, a significant worry emerged regarding Sandro Tonali, who sustained an injury during Newcastle`s thrilling clash with the reigning Premier League champions on Monday.
Here`s a detailed look at how Italy`s international players fared across the Premier League fixtures this past weekend.
Calafiori`s Offensive Prowess Continues
Following his goal in the season`s opening weekend, Calafiori maintained his impactful offensive performance, providing two vital assists in Arsenal`s dominant 5-0 victory against Leeds United. Operating once more as a left-sided defender in a back four, the former Bologna player set up Viktor Gyokeres for his inaugural Arsenal goal with a perfectly weighted long pass. He also played a part in Jurrien Timber`s second goal, getting a touch on the ball before the finish. This brings his total to three goal contributions in his last two Premier League appearances.
Italian Presence in Thrilling St James` Park Encounter
A captivating 3-2 clash between Liverpool and Newcastle at St James` Park on Monday evening saw three Italian players listed in the squads. Federico Chiesa, who scored last weekend, came on as a substitute around the 80-minute mark. However, it was young talent Rio Ngumoha who secured Liverpool`s late winning goal. New Liverpool acquisition, Giovanni Leoni, who recently completed a €35m move from Parma, was also included on the bench.
Sandro Tonali, an Italy international, started the match for Newcastle but was substituted after 66 minutes. Manager Eddie Howe later expressed concern, stating that the injury “doesn`t look good.”
Weekend Roundup: Other Italian Players` Performances
Promising Italian talent Michael Kayode played the entire 90 minutes, contributing to Brentford`s clean sheet in their 1-0 win against Aston Villa at the Gtech Community Stadium. He also later featured as a substitute in a 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Bournemouth.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario secured his second consecutive Premier League clean sheet as Tottenham achieved an impressive 2-0 away victory over Manchester City. This follows their 3-0 win against West Ham on the opening weekend. Destiny Udogie remained sidelined due to his ongoing injury recovery.
Italy`s Wilfried Gnonto started for Leeds United in their aforementioned 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, a match which also featured Calafiori.
Diego Coppola was an unused substitute as his Brighton and Hove Albion team suffered a 2-0 loss to Everton in the hosts` inaugural Premier League game at their new stadium.
Luca Koleosho and Emerson Palmieri were not included in the squads for Burnley and West Ham, respectively.
