Italy's Calafiori Ruled Out of Germany Clash with Knee Injury

Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out of the Nations League quarter-final second leg against Germany due to a knee injury. Calafiori joins striker Mateo Retegui on the sidelines, dealing a blow to Italy's hopes of advancing.

Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out of the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final against Germany due to a knee injury sustained in the first game, the Italian Football Association (FIGC) announced on Friday. Calafiori was forced to leave the pitch in added time during Italy's 2-1 defeat to Germany at the San Siro on Thursday.

The injury occurred when Calafiori slipped while changing direction, causing him to require treatment on his knee. Following tests on Friday, the FIGC confirmed that Calafiori would be unavailable for the return match against Germany on Sunday.

According to an FIGC statement, "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." Calafiori will now focus on his recovery, while Italy will have to find a replacement for the defender in their squad for the second leg against Germany.

🚨 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

Italy's injury woes have deepened ahead of their Nations League quarter-final second leg against Germany, as they will be without both striker Mateo Retegui and defender Riccardo Calafiori. Retegui withdrew from the squad due to injury on the eve of the first leg, while Calafiori's knee injury sustained in the first game has ruled him out of the second leg in Dortmund on Sunday.

Calafiori's injury is the latest setback for the 22-year-old, who has struggled with various injuries this season. The Arsenal defender, who joined the club from Bologna in July, has missed nine Premier League games due to injuries, including a similar knee issue. Arsenal will be hoping Calafiori can recover quickly, as they prepare to face Fulham in their next Premier League match on April 1st.