New Arsenal signing Riccardo Calafiori picks up BIZARRE injury during Italy’s 3-1 rout of France

Riccardo Calafiori forced to be replaced in Italy's win against France after Ousmane Dembele inflicted bizarre tackle.

Ousmane Dembele and Riccardo Calafiori, image courtesy: X

Arsenal defender, Riccardo Calafiori was compelled to leave the yard after being involved in a freak injury in Italy’s comprehensive victory against France in the UEFA Nation’s League. Calafiori, 22, was caught in the back of his leg by a flying Ousmane Dembele after the French star was tackled himself.

Alessandro Bastoni went to tackle Dembele after the French speedster had already whizzed past his markers and was on his way to wreak some serious havoc in the opposition box. Bastoni’s challenge sent Ousmane Dembele crashing into the air like a rag doll and while landing, the extended boot of Dembele caught Riccardo Calafiori on his calf.

The tackle was completely unintentional. However, the impact was a clattering one as the Italian had to wobble off in the second half. Because Dembele himself was not in control and was hurt badly when he landed after the tackle, there was nothing he could have done to minimize the impact.

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Riccardo Calafiori hurt in bizarre incident with Ousmane Dembele.#Azzurri #FRAITA #Arsenal #Calafiori pic.twitter.com/IVtsI6UusD
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) September 6, 2024

Italy’s coach, Luciano Spalletti was asked whether Calafiori is going to be available for Italy’s upcoming clash against Israel in the UEFA Nation’s League. The Italian gaffer said that they were hoping it was nothing significant and that should make the latter available for the crucial fixture where Italy will try and slot all three points again.

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What panned out for Italy against France?

France secured an early lead as Bradley Barcola scored the opening goal of the game in the 1^st minute. It took the Azzurri half an hour before they could restore parity through a clinical strike from Federico Dimarco. Within just six minutes of the second-half coming into effect, Italy doubled their lead through David Frattesi who also walked out which was later claimed to be an impact of fatigue.

Riccardo Calafiori — France vs Italy, image courtesy: X

Giacomo Raspadori blasted home the final goal for the Italians as France was no match for the Azzurri. Italy currently tops the Group 2 of League A with a convincing win against France while Belgium is second in the group with a 3-1 victory against Israel, which saw Manchester City star, Kevin de Bruyne score a brace.

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