Calafiori injured in freak incident during Italy vs France match

During a Nations League match on a recent night at the Parc des Princes, Riccardo Calafiori, an Arsenal defender, suffered a concerning ankle injury. The incident occurred when Ousmane Dembele, after being tackled, landed awkwardly on Calafiori. This unfortunate event unfolded as Italy was leading 3-1 against France, following a strong comeback after initially falling behind. Calafiori was visibly in pain and required medical attention, prompting his substitution after just over an hour of play. Italy's coach, Luciano Spalletti, addressed the media post-match, easing concerns about the severity of Calafiori's injury. He indicated that while an assessment was necessary, there was optimism regarding Calafiori's potential return for the upcoming match against Israel. This news was a relief for both the player and Arsenal, especially considering Calafiori's recent transfer from Bologna for £42 million and his limited appearances for the club thus far. The match itself was significant for Italy, marking their first victory over France in the capital in 70 years. After conceding the fastest goal in their history just 14 seconds into the game, Italy rallied with goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori, showcasing their resilience. As Arsenal prepares to face Tottenham after the international break, they will have to navigate without key players, including Declan Rice due to suspension and Mikel Merino due to injury. The situation surrounding Calafiori adds to the team's challenges as they aim to maintain their competitive edge.