Italy’s Calafiori Out of Germany Return Match Due to Knee Injury
Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori will miss the second leg of the Nations League quarter-final against Germany following a knee injury sustained in the first match. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed on Friday that Calafiori was unavailable for the return leg scheduled for Sunday in Dortmund.
During Italy’s 2-1 defeat to Germany at the San Siro on Thursday, Calafiori slipped while changing direction in added time and was forced to leave the pitch. He was treated for a knee issue, and subsequent medical tests confirmed a sprain-contusion trauma to his left knee.
“Riccardo Calafiori, who underwent tests this morning for the injury, has been deemed unavailable for the return match and will return to his home club,” an FIGC statement read.
Italy will also be without striker Mateo Retegui, who had to withdraw from the squad on the eve of the first leg due to his own injury. The team will travel to Dortmund without two key players as they aim to recover from their loss and secure a spot in the Nations League semi-finals.
Calafiori, who joined Arsenal from Bologna in July, has had a series of injuries this season, including a similar knee issue, which caused him to miss nine Premier League games. Arsenal’s next match is against Fulham on April 1.
