Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori is looking to fire Italy to the World Cup finals via the play-offs
11:16, 27 Mar 2026
Riccardo Calafiori
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Riccardo Calafiori came through unscathed as Italy took a big step towards the World Cup
Arsenal have been handed a major boost regarding the fitness of defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The full-back is said to have reported a minor muscular issue upon arrival at Italy's national team camp in Florence at the start of the week.
Gennaro Gattuso said on Monday: "Calafiori has a slight niggle but we expect to have him with us. Our medical staff are very prepared and we’ll make decisions in the right way."
Calafiori came off the bench for Arsenal in last Sunday's Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley and made an impression for Mikel Arteta's side; hitting the post.
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Speaking on Tuesday, he eased concerns his fitness problem was anything serious and revealed he should be fine to face Northern Ireland on Thursday in the World Cup play-off semi-final.
Calafiori came through the full 90 minutes last night as the Azzurri took a giant step towards North America in Bergamo.
They will now play Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica on Tuesday for a place at the World Cup.
The Arsenal full-back has been lauded for his performance against Northern Ireland and he was described as one of his nation's top performers by the Italian media.
The 23-year-old operates as a left centre-back for his country, even though he now plays his club football at left-back.
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori
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Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori shook off a fitness niggle to help Italy win their World Cup play-off semi-final
If they are to make it to the World Cup, they will be paired with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.
Arsenal are not back in action until Saturday, April 4 when they travel to Southampton looking to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Arteta will be hopeful his international stars return to north London in good health as a number of his first-team players withdrew from international duty due to knocks and minor injury issues.
Jurrien Timber, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are among those resting up while there's hope Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze will also be able to return in the coming weeks.
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Leandro Trossard pulled out of the Belgium squad, though he's just looking after his body following a recent hip problem.
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