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September 8, 2024

Injury forces Calafiori out of Italy-Israel clash, heads back to Arsenal – Ligue 1

According to recent updates, Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out of the upcoming Nations League match against Israel due to a calf injury. Calafiori, forced off during Friday’s victory over France, is expected to return to Arsenal in the coming hours. 

Reports indicate that the 22-year-old suffered bruising to his calf and will undergo further assessment by Arsenal’s medical staff as a precautionary measure. Italy secured a 2-1 victory over Israel in their Nations League match held in Budapest on Monday.  At the same time, Calafiori’s recovery and return to the field will be closely monitored by both Arsenal and Italian national team staff.

Calafiori ruled out of Italy’s Nations League match against Israel

Following his commendable performance in Italy’s 3-1 victory over France last Friday, former Bologna center-back Riccardo Calafiori has been ruled out of the upcoming Nations League match against Israel on Monday. The 22-year-old defender was forced off mid-way through the second half after an accidental collision with Ousmane Dembele, resulting in bruising to his calf.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Calafiori will return to Arsenal on precautionary grounds, undergoing further assessment and treatment by the club’s medical staff. Napoli center-back Alessandro Buongiorno will likely be allowed to start against Israel in his absence. The 25-year-old, who recently signed a five-year deal with Napoli, rose to prominence during the 2023/24 campaign and has been an unused substitute for Italy throughout their EURO 2024 campaign.

The Four Factors Behind Italy’s Remarkable Comeback Against France

According to a recent analysis by Il Corriere dello Sport, Italy’s remarkable 3-1 victory over France on Friday can be attributed to four key factors that allowed the team to bounce back from their disappointing EURO 2024 elimination against Switzerland just two months ago. Luciano Spalletti’s squad’s performance has garnered significant attention as they continue to make headlines following their impressive triumph in Paris.

The first factor identified by Il Corriere dello Sport is the unwavering trust placed in Spalletti by Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina. Despite calls for resignation after the team’s underwhelming EURO 2024 performance, Gravina and Spalletti remained determined to learn from their mistakes. They set Italy on a new path to success. Spalletti’s commitment to self-improvement and resilience has proven instrumental in the team’s recent turnaround.

In addition to Spalletti’s leadership, the analysis highlights three other crucial elements that contributed to Italy’s victory over France: the team’s tactical adjustments, improved defensive performance, and the emergence of young talent. As the Azzurri continue to build momentum and refine their strategy under Spalletti’s guidance, these four factors have played a pivotal role in the team’s resurgence and newfound success on the international stage.

Italy’s Four-Point Strategy for a Successful Turnaround Against France

According to a detailed analysis by Corriere dello Sport, Italy’s impressive 3-1 comeback victory against France can be attributed to strategic decisions, key personnel, and tactical adjustments. The analysis emphasizes the pivotal role of Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina’s unwavering faith in Coach Luciano Spalletti, which laid the foundation for the team’s rebound. Despite facing calls for resignation following the EURO 2024 elimination, Spalletti and Gravina remained committed to learning from their mistakes and charting a new course for the Azzurri. Spalletti’s determination to bounce back from the disappointment, particularly after his recent Serie A victory with Napoli, was a critical factor in Italy’s resurgence.

Another key figure in the team’s transformation was Gigi Buffon, whose role as the delegation chief and intermediary between Spalletti and the players helped to fortify the bond between the coach and his team. Buffon’s ability to foster a solid relationship with Spalletti and the players was crucial in facilitating open communication and trust within the group. This newfound unity successfully enabled Italy to execute Spalletti’s tactical adjustments on the field.

Tactically, Spalletti’s decision to permanently switch to a 3-5-2 formation significantly improved the team’s performance. By simplifying his approach and moving away from the more complex 3-defender build-up and 4-defender defensive system used during EURO 2024, Spalletti created a more cohesive and effective strategy. This newfound clarity allowed the Azzurri to capitalize on their practical and concrete style of play, ultimately giving them an edge over the French team.

Lastly, Corriere dello Sport underscores the importance of the young talent that Spalletti has incorporated into the squad. The impressive debut of Samuele Ricci as a starter, along with the notable contributions of players like Andrea Cambiaso, Destiny Udogie, and Sandro Tonali, highlights the impact of the younger generation on the team’s success. Spalletti’s decision to trim the roster to just 23 players for the games against France and Israel proved a wise move, as it fostered a sense of camaraderie and commitment among the team while ensuring that all players felt valued and prepared to contribute on the field. Ultimately, this blend of solid leadership, tactical innovation, and fresh talent has paved the way for Italy’s triumphant return to the international stage.

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