I think Manchester United might be trying to sign the wrong Bologna player

As Italy celebrated, Croatia was deflated. In the blink of an eye, they went from European Championship knockout rounds to being dealt a knockout blow.

Mattia Zaccagni wheeled away in unbridled celebration, yet it was the selfless assist from Riccardo Calafiori that deserved just as much of his nation's admiration.

He is a player many were not so familiar with heading into Euro 2024, now he is on the top of many shopping lists. Sadly for Manchester United, they might have left it a little too late to add him to their own.

It is nearly impossible to suggest United sign a breakout star at an international tournament without mentioning former player Kleberson. The Brazilian was signed in part due to his stellar performances at the 2002 World Cup, though he joined a year later, following Juan Sebastián Verón's move to Chelsea.

Yet Calafiori makes a compelling exception to the rules. The 22-year-old is one of the brightest young defenders in the game, not only shining with his performances for Italy but throughout his season at Bologna. He formed a key part of the backline that conceded the third-lowest number of goals in Serie A last season (32), catching the eye for his traditional defensive qualities, but more so for his modern approach to the role.

See what is so fascinating about Calafiori is that a year ago he was very much a left-back, if not a wing-back. It is where he had played for most of his time in the Roma academy and where he struggled to make the grade before being sold to FC Basel. It looked like he would have to wait a while before he ever reached the heights many had predicted for him as a teenager, but under the guidance of former Bologna boss Thiago Motta, he has been remoulded into a centre-back, and has proven himself to be one of the very best in the world.

A key part of their success last season, in which they qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history, was his ability to play out from the back and break the lines in a similar mould to that of Lisandro Martinez. Just like the Argentine, he also possesses the raw power and pace required to succeed in the Premier League, as well as an excellent dribbling ability, as was showcased with his role in Italy's equaliser on Monday night.

It might be tempting to say well his success was only with Bologna, yet that criteria has been deemed enough for the club also to consider a move for teammate Joshua Zirkzee, so his success in Italy has to be deemed worthy of consideration for a move to Old Trafford.

There are a couple of problems, though. Juventus are leading the way to sign him this summer, where he would reunite with mentor Motta, while AC Milan are also understood to be considering a move for the breakthrough star of the national team. The other is where he would fit in at United. While they are also considering a move for left-footed Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite, the feeling is he would have no issues adapting to Erik ten Hag's style of play and could do so on the right side of the defence rather than the left. Ultimately, he is viewed as a possible partner for Martinez with the capability of replacing him when required, rather than a direct competitor for his role.

If they were to sign Calafiori he would have to function as cover at centre-back and left-back, rather than solving their biggest defensive issue this summer. Though, given they are also in the market for more support at full-back, it is perhaps not the silliest suggestion either. With a reported €50 million price-tag being put on the centre-back he would certainly be a luxury addition they can most likely not afford this summer, with reports in Italy suggesting he was valued at just €20 million before the current international tournament began.

Calafiori left it late on Monday night, but it already looks too late for United.