Riccardo Calafiori injury: Italy boss Luciano Spalletti provides update after Arsenal star's freak clash against France

Despite conceding an early goal, Italy put up a spirited comeback to secure an impressive 3-1 victory thanks to goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori. However, Spalletti looked concerned when Calafiori crashed onto the ground in the second half holding his calf after an unusual collision.

It all started when Alessandro Bastoni won back possession from Ousmane Dembele with a crunching tackle. While Bastoni’s challenge on the French winger was fair, Dembele lost balance and his leg hit Calafiori in the back of the defender's calf. The Arsenal defender had no involvement in the tackle but found himself on the receiving end of a painful blow, collapsing to the pitch in agony.

As Calafiori lay on the ground, writhing in pain, his Italy teammates gathered around him with concern on their faces. The bizarre nature of the injury and the severity of Calafiori’s reaction caused immediate worry and he was subsequently substituted off.

The sight of Calafiori being escorted off the field sent shockwaves through both the Italian and Arsenal fanbases. Having only joined Arsenal in the summer transfer window, any potential long-term injury could have disrupted his integration into Mikel Arteta’s squad.

However, Spalletti quickly moved to alleviate concerns regarding Calafiori’s condition and suggested that the injury might not be as serious as initially feared.

“We need to assess Riccardo, but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game,” Spalletti told reporters.

If Spalletti's words hold true, then Calafiori should be back in action against Israel on Monday. It should be a relief to Arteta as the Gunners are set to play five matches across three different competitions: the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup in September, starting with a fierce North London derby against Tottenham on September 15.