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

The 22-year-old is yet to start for the Gunners since his summer move from Bologna, but he remains an integral part of the Azzurri’s national team setup.

Calafiori was named in the starting lineup for Friday’s trip to France in the opening round of UEFA Nations League fixtures, but he lasted 71 minutes before succumbing to a bizarre injury.

After being tackled cleanly by Alessandro Bastoni, France winger Ousmane Dembele took a tumble and his studs caught the back of Calafiori’s leg. He required medical treatment and was eventually withdrawn from action.

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

However, Italy boss Luciano Spalletti believes Calafiori’s problem is actually minor and he could even be back to face Israel in their next fixture on Monday.

“We need to assess Riccardo but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game,” Spalletti told a press conference.

Italy ran out deserved winners at the Parc des Princes despite falling behind to a first-minute goal from Bradley Barcola.

A superb strike from Federico Dimarco brought Italy level on the half-hour mark, with Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali grabbing the assist on his return to the international fold after his world football ban for betting offences.

After the break, Davide Frattesi put the visitors in front before Giacomo Raspadori sealed the three points with a well-taken goal of his own.

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