italy fc have included Riccardo Calafiori in their squad for the World Cup play-off final after the Arsenal defender passed fitness checks. The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena and is available for selection for the tie in Zenica. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso acknowledged a minor complaint on arrival but confirmed Calafiori came through the semi-final unscathed, easing immediate concern for his club ahead of their return to domestic action.
Italy Fc confirm Calafiori fit
The Arsenal defender was named among the players who travelled to Zenica as Italy chase a place at the World Cup. Calafiori completed the full match in the 2-0 semi-final win in Bergamo that secured the Azzurri’s place in the play-off final, and played a role in a clean sheet that night at the New Balance Arena. Club staff and national team medics monitored a brief complaint Calafiori raised on arrival at the national camp; the issue was described as a minor muscular concern and did not prevent him from taking the field in the semi-final.
Calafiori has recently featured for Arsenal off the bench in a major domestic final and made a noticeable impact for his club, which has increased attention on his fitness while on international duty. With his name confirmed in the travelling party for the final, the immediate injury worry at Arsenal over this player has been reduced ahead of their next competitive fixtures.
Immediate reactions
Gennaro Gattuso, Italy coach, addressed the situation directly: “Calafiori has a slight niggle but we expect to have him with us. Our medical staff are very prepared and we’ll make decisions in the right way. ” Gattuso also noted that the player had arrived in camp complaining of a “little pain” but that Calafiori came through the semi-final without further issue. The coach framed the selection as both a reward for the player’s performance and a calculated decision by the national medical team.
Quick context
Italy, four-time world champions, missed the last two World Cups and face intense pressure to qualify again; they will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica for a place at the finals. The winner of the play-off final will join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B at the upcoming World Cup.
What’s next
All eyes now turn to the final in Zenica, where italy fc will field a squad that includes Calafiori as they bid to end their World Cup exile. Arsenal will monitor his return to club duty closely as their squad prepares to resume domestic fixtures, with the club relieved by the positive fitness update but keeping medical checks ongoing ahead of the weekend’s action.
