Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has taken to for the first time on social media since suffering from a disturbing injury while on international duty with Italy.
The 22-year-old was on the receiving end of a tussle between Ousmane Dembele and Alessandro Bastoni. The former landed awkwardly on the Arsenal defender’s calf, causing a lot of discomfort to the player.
Calafiori was substituted in the 71st minute amid fears that he might injure his lower extremities. However, Sky Sports News played down the injury rumours by stating that he could be fit to face Israel in Budapest on Monday.
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Even Italian manager Luciano Spalletti revealed that he has a strong chance to recover on time for the next contest.
Calafiori has now shared a post hailing his team for their wonderful victory. But he didn’t say a word about his injury, suggesting the fans shouldn’t be worried about him. He wrote on Instagram:
“What a performance, what a night! Well done boys.”
View this post on Instagram
Calafiori inspired Italy keep their Euros horror behind them
The Gli Azzurri defeated France 3-1 thanks to their brilliant comeback after going down in the first minute of the game.
Bradley Barcola’s opener was soon cancelled out by Federico Dimarco. Davide Frattesi scored the Italian’s second goal in the 50th minute. Giacomo Raspadori’s winner in the 74th minute sealed the nation’s first victory against Les Blues in France in 70 years.
This will help them a bit after coming from a disastrous Euros 2024 campaign where they got knocked out by Switzerland in the last-16 tie.
As expected, Calafiori was rock solid at the back before being forced out. He is seen as a pivotal figure in Spalletti’s defence, and that is a good sign for Arsenal.
Riccardo Calafiori (22) vs France
• 71 Minutes Played
• 4 Clearances
• 1 Interception
• 64/68 (94%) Pass Accuracy
• 4/4 Long Balls
• 1/3 Duels Won*Left the field injured. Awaiting updates but it doesn’t seem like anything serious
— AzzurriXtra🇮🇹 (@XtraAzzurri) September 7, 2024
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Even if the versatile star is yet to stamp his authority at the Emirates Stadium, he is serving his national team regularly. The Gunners will be relieved since their new summer signing has deemed himself fit to play in the next match. The North London derby is looming close, and the Calafiori can play a handy knock for Mikel Arteta.
