Italy Gives Calafiori Rest — Boost for Arsenal Ahead of Season

This blog post explains why Arsenal left-back Riccardo Calafiori returning from international duty uninjured is good news for Gunners supporters, and what his fitness means for both Arsenal and Italy.

It summarises his recent setbacks, his role in Italy’s latest qualifiers, how Arsenal will likely benefit, and offers a light travel-minded tie-in to the Italian Riviera for fans wanting to follow their countryman.

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Calafiori’s clean bill of health after Italy duty

Riccardo Calafiori completed a full 90 minutes in Italy’s 5-0 win over Estonia and returned to Arsenal without fresh problems. This is a welcome relief after earlier injuries while on international duty in September 2024 and March 2025.

Those earlier setbacks cost him significant game time last season, including big fixtures for Arsenal.

Why this matters to Arsenal fans

Calafiori’s previous injuries forced him to miss 10 matches for Arsenal last season, including a high-profile north London derby and important Champions League ties.

Keeping a dependable left-back fit is a big advantage for Mikel Arteta’s squad, especially as the campaign intensifies.

Key takeaways:

Calafiori played the full game in Italy’s 5-0 victory over Estonia.
He was rested on the bench during Italy’s dramatic 5-4 win against Israel, preserving his fitness.
His earlier injuries in 2024 and 2025 led to ten missed Arsenal matches last season.
Arsenal can expect him to be available for the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.

International context: Italy’s qualifying campaign

Italy currently sit second in Group I of European qualifying with nine points from four games, behind Norway who lead with 12 points.

Only the group winner qualifies automatically, but second place offers a play-off route, so every healthy starter matters.

Calafiori’s role for Italy

When deployed, Calafiori has offered solidity on the left flank that Italy noticeably missed in his absence.

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His availability gives the Azzurri defensive depth and provides coach continuity when rotating the squad in qualification windows.

Managerial and tactical implications: Keeping Calafiori fit means Italy can balance rotation with experience.

For Arsenal it reduces the club’s immediate need to shuffle defenders and allows Arteta to pick a consistent backline.

What to expect for the weekend and beyond

With Calafiori fit, he is expected to feature against Nottingham Forest this weekend, barring any late surprises.

For Arsenal, having a regular starter available reduces pressure on the squad during a dense schedule of domestic and European fixtures.

How supporters can follow the story

Fans tracking Calafiori’s progress should watch team sheets and minutes played for Italy and Arsenal.

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Secure Your Italian Getaway

Fitness during international breaks often dictates club form, so his continued durability will be an encouraging metric for Gunners followers.

Looking for Italian connections and places to celebrate or watch the matches? Consider these towns along the Italian Riviera:

Genoa
Portofino
Santa Margherita Ligure
Camogli
Rapallo
Sestri Levante
Monterosso al Mare
Vernazza
Manarola
La Spezia
Sanremo

Whether you’re following Calafiori on the pitch or planning a coastal escape, the Italian Riviera offers charming villages and lively bars where locals and visitors alike gather to watch football.

From the historic port of Genoa to the pastel harbours of Camogli and Portofino, fans can combine a matchday with seaside strolls in Santa Margherita Ligure.

Enjoy sunsets in Rapallo and the dramatic cliffs of the Cinque Terre – Monterosso, Vernazza and Manarola.

For those nearer the western Riviera, Sanremo and La Spezia offer lively atmospheres to cheer on Italy.

Here is the source article for this story: Italy’s Calafiori decision gives Arsenal a boost

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