Calafiori starts for Arsenal in London derby against Chelsea, nominated for Player of the Match
Quick summary
Arsenal name their XI for the Premier League London derby against Chelsea, with Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori included in the starting lineup and nominated for Player of the Match.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceArsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has named Italy international Riccardo Calafiori in his starting lineup for their London derby against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
Calafiori, who was named among the shortlist for August Player of the Month in the Premier League, has been in electric form so far this campaign – assisting a goal in each of the Gunners ‘ opening two games as reigning champions.
The former Bologna and Roma defender will start on the left hand side of the defence, but his position in-game often sees him push further up the field.
Chelsea’s Italian representative, Marco Palestra, continues to sit out through a slight fitness concern.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 21: Kai Havertz celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Riccardo Calafiori during the Premier League 2026/27 match at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) Arsenal vs Chelsea – Lineups as Calafiori starts Arsenal: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard; Saka, Tzolis, Havertz
Chelsea : Martinez; Acheampong, Fofana, Lacroix; Neto, James, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro
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What happened
Arsenal have confirmed their starting lineup for the London derby against Chelsea in the Premier League. Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, who has been nominated for Player of the Match, starts for the Gunners. The lineup news from football-italia.net highlights the Italian connection with Calafiori's inclusion in the starting eleven for this high-profile Premier League fixture at the Emirates.
Chance analysis
Calafiori's continued inclusion in Arsenal's starting XI underlines the growing trust Mikel Arteta has placed in the Italian defender following his summer move from Bologna. Featuring in a London derby against Chelsea adds another high-pressure test to his adaptation to Premier League football. His Player of the Match nomination suggests he has already made a notable impression since arriving in England.
Calafiori's confirmed start in the Arsenal defense strengthens their back line for the Chelsea derby and signals his growing importance to Arteta's plans.