Italy dealt Calafiori injury blow ahead of Germany second leg

Riccardo Calafiori will miss the second leg of Italy’s Nations League quarter-final against Germany on Sunday after suffering a knee injury.

The right-back was forced off in stoppage time in Thursday’s 2-1 first-leg defeat after slipping while changing direction and required treatment.

As such, he will be unavailable for the return fixture in Dortmund, with Italy’s Football Association (FIGC) confirming he has returned to Arsenal to undergo more tests.

“Riccardo Calafiori, who underwent tests this morning for the sprain-contusion trauma to his left knee sustained during the match against Germany, has been deemed unavailable for the return match scheduled for Sunday and will return to his home club,” an FIGC statement said.

Riccardo Calafiori, who underwent tests late this morning after sustaining an injury to his left knee during yesterday’s match against Germany, has been deemed unavailable for Sunday’s second leg and will return to his club.#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/Rs7tGNFdSS

— Italy (@Azzurri_En) March 21, 2025

Early reports suggest Calafiori could miss between two to three weeks of action after suffering the strain to his knee.

That could see him miss at least three games for Arsenal, including Premier League games against Fulham and Everton, as well as their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.

Calafiori has already missed 15 matches for the Gunners in all competitions this season, in his first campaign since joining from Bologna at the start of the campaign.

Italy are also already without Mateo Retegui. The striker withdrew from the squad due to injury before the first leg.