Calafiori signs long-term contract

Calafiori, 18, has agreed a new deal with the Giallorossi that runs until 30 June 2025.

A product of the club’s academy, Calafiori made his first-team debut for Roma earlier this year – and scored his first goal for the club last month, against Young Boys in the Europa League.

“I am incredibly happy,” Calafiori said. “This is an important step for me - this has been my dream ever since I was a child.

“It means so much – I think it would mean a lot for any kid who came through the academy here, dreaming of one day making it to the first team. Now it seems like I’ve done that, and perhaps it still has not really sunk in.

“There is no a better feeling in the world.”

The Rome-born defender joined the club’s academy when he was nine years old. He has made three first-team appearances to date.

“We are delighted to be able to announce Riccardo’s contract renewal,” said club CEO Guido Fienga.

“Beyond being a great young professional, he is also an example of how this club continues to invest in and support its academy, in order to develop great homegrown talent that is capable of enhancing the first-team squad.”

Calafiori has represented Italy at all age groups from Under-15 to Under-19, and is a current member of the Under-20 setup.

“We are really pleased with how Riccardo has developed, a process started in our youth academy and now underlined by this new contract,” said club director Morgan De Sanctis.

“Riccardo is a modern left-back, comfortable in both attack and defence and yet with so much room to improve even more: we are confident that with his intelligence he will take on that challenge with professionalism and humility.”