Riccardo Calafiori was injured in a shocking incident during Italy’s win over France

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori was ruled out with a leg injury during Italy’s 3-1 win in France on Friday night.

The 22-year-old has yet to start for the Gunners since moving from Bologna in the summer, but remains a key part of the Azzurri’s national team set-up.

Calafiori was named in the starting line-up for Friday’s trip to France in the first round of the UEFA Nations League, but lasted 71 minutes before suffering a dramatic injury.

After a good tackle by Alessandro Bastoni, French winner Ousmane Dembele fell and his studs caught the back of Calafiori’s leg. He needed treatment and was eventually withdrawn.

News of Calafiori’s injury has caused panic among Arsenal fans ahead of next weekend’s game against Tottenham Hotspur in north London.

However, Italy manager Luciano Spalletti believes that Calafiori’s problem is actually minor and he could return to face Israel in their next match on Monday.

“We have to test Ricardo but with our staff, we have a good chance that he will be back with us in the next game,” said Spalletti in a press conference.

Italy ran out of deserved winners at Parc des Princes despite Bradley Barcola’s first minute goal.

A fine strike from Federico Dimarco brought Italy level on the half-hour mark, while Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali got a helping hand on his return to international duty following his international ban for betting offences.

After the break, David Frattesi put the visitors ahead before Giacomo Raspadori sealed the three points with an own goal.

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