With Matías Viña recovering from a minor knee sprain ahead of Sunday’s derby vs Lazio, Jose Mourinho counts on Riccardo Calafiori to step in and take over the left flank for the time being.
The 19-year-old has yet to find consistency in his performances, but this may be the right time for the youngster to earn his minutes.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho trusts the young fullback and considers him a valid back-up option to the more experienced Viña.
With Spinazzola dealing with a painful tear of the Achilles tendon, Calafiori was asked to stay by General Manager Tiago Pinto despite receiving numerous loan offers during the summer transfer window.
Mourinho is willing to give Calafiori a chance to shine but, as stressed by the Special One himself during yesterday’s press conference, he demands of the youngster more courage going forward.
The former Primavera player is expected to start for the third consecutive time against Udinese.
