Calafiori worry for Italy and Arsenal after awkward injury in 2-1 defeat

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy goes down with an injury and is checked on by Antonio Ruediger of Germany during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

There are concerns for Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori after a painful-looking injury during the final moments of Italy’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Germany.

The centre-back was trying to change direction quickly in stoppage time at San Siro when he slipped and effectively did the splits on the pitch.

He received some treatment to the inside of his left knee and was back on his feet by the final whistle of the Nations League quarter-final first leg.

This could be particularly worrying, as his whole career had been in doubt due to a very serious injury to the left knee when he was still in the Roma youth squad.

Calafiori requires tests ahead of Germany vs. Italy

It remains to be seen if Calafiori has suffered any muscular or worse a knee issue from that awkward fall, where he lost his footing and over-stretched both legs.

Italy are set to play the second leg of this Nations League quarter-final in Dortmund on Sunday evening and it is not clear at this point whether Calafiori will be part of that travelling party.

See how the players performed with the Player Ratings for Italy 1-2 Germany