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Calafiori Ruled Out of Moldova Qualifier as Arsenal and Italy Differ on Injury Plan

Italy kept the defender in camp after staff urged players to prioritise World Cup qualification.

Overview

  • Riccardo Calafiori is training away from Italy’s main group with a hip issue and is targeting a return for Sunday’s match against Norway.
  • Multiple reports say Arsenal wanted the left-back to receive treatment in London, but he has remained with Gennaro Gattuso’s squad in Florence.
  • La Repubblica reports that Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon told players to put the World Cup campaign first following recent tournament absences.
  • The 23-year-old’s extensive injury record from last season heightens Arsenal’s concern over any setback during a congested club schedule.
  • Separately, Bologna winger Nicolò Cambiaghi has withdrawn from the Italy squad with a minor calf problem and returned to his club.