Calafiori Withdraws from Italian National Team
Arsenal’s defender Riccardo Calafiori has been forced to withdraw from the Italian national team due to an ongoing injury, as confirmed by coach Gennaro Gattuso. The Italian team is preparing for a crucial World Cup qualifying match against Norway this Sunday, but they will have to proceed without Calafiori, who has been struggling with physical issues.
Gattuso’s Statement
Gattuso explained that it was not in the best interest of either the player or Arsenal for him to participate under these circumstances. In an interview with Sky Sports Italia, Gattuso stated, “We attempted to assess Calafiori’s condition, but he has encountered several difficulties. I appreciate his dedication; he remained with us for a week and considered playing, but it would be unjust to push him when he’s not fully fit.”
Impact on the Team
With Calafiori’s departure from the camp, Gattuso will have to choose between defenders Gianluca Mancini and Alessandro Buongiorno for the upcoming match. This setback is particularly challenging for Arsenal, who currently lead the Premier League with 26 points and are gearing up for a key rivalry match against Tottenham Hotspur on November 23.
Calafiori’s absence adds to the team’s woes, as they are already missing several players including Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Victor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke, and Kai Havertz.
World Cup Qualifying Stakes
Italy needs to achieve a striking victory of nine goals or more against Norway to secure an automatic spot in the 2026 World Cup, heightening the stakes for the match ahead.
