Photo by Franco Arland - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Franco Arland - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Arsenal have players in action once again this weekend on international duty and Riccardo Calafiori has been the first out of the blocks.
Calafiori played the full 90 minutes as Italy held France to a 1-1 draw to secure a vital and impressive point in their Nations League campaign.The Arsenal man was deployed at left-back and dealt with the threats from the likes of Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe well all night.
And over in Italy, the media have had their say on just how they felt Calafiori performed.
Italy’s media rate Riccardo Calafiori’s performance v France
Calafiori has already turned himself into one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers and he seems to be going that way with Italy too.
Robert Mancini very much trusts the Arsenal man and the Italian media were also keen to point out his excellent defensive work.
“CALAFIORI 7. Moves back down the left, working well with Kean. His feet are always useful in such a technical game,” QuotiDiano Sportivo wrote.
“Calafiori 6 – This evening he gave up on attacking, limiting himself to the role of full-back, which he played well, especially in the first half,” Tuttomercatoweb explained.
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Finally,
“He’s never free rein, forced to guard that beast Olise with his physique. He follows him everywhere, never giving him the green. Less elegant than usual, more workmanlike than expected. Statuesque,” Il Messaggero wrote, giving the Arsenal man a seven out of ten.
France v Italy - UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A1 MD3
Photo by Franco Arland – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Clearly, Calafiori delivered a more restrained performance than he would in an Arsenal shirt.
But ultimately, that was what the job needed and for Italy to go to France and get a point as they did is impressive stuff.
The key now is getting him back to London Colney in one piece and ready to go again next weekend.
With Christos Tzolis already going down injured, Arsenal can ill-afford any more issues.
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Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Max Robert Dowman of Arsenal applauds after the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mikel Arteta embraces Nicolas Jover after an Arsenal set-piece goal
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Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images