Mikel Arteta will love what happened to Riccardo Calafiori in Italy’s World Cup Qualifier

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Mikel Arteta will be over the moon with the latest news coming from Italy’s camp during the September international break.

Back in North London, Arteta is eagerly awaiting the safe return of the many Arsenal players on international duty. 

All eyes will be on whether Arsenal’s four England representatives will be in action against Serbia, as the Three Lions have a lot to prove in Belgrade. 

That being said, even before the action kicks off for Thomas Tuchel’s side, Arteta has had a huge weight taken from his shoulders.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta really won’t like what ‘scary’ Arsenal player just did on international duty

Why Riccardo Calafiori didn’t play for Italy against Israel 

Arsenal are already treading an injury crisis, with William Saliba set for a period on the sidelines alongside Bukayo Saka. 

Ben White is set to return, which is a boost, but when it comes to Arsenal’s back four, there’s no need for change. 

One of the stars of the early stages of the 2025/26 calendar has been Riccardo Calafiori, who was nominated for the August Premier League Player of the Month award. 

Calafiori’s injury record makes every international break a huge worry for Arteta, but in Italy’s dramatic win over Israel, Arsenal’s left-back did not feature. 

Arteta will be overjoyed that the 2024 signing did not play, with Gennaro Gattuso confirming his omission was merely a rotational decision.

“We have to congratulate Cambiaso, Raspadori, and whoever came on the other day. They brought vivacity and fresh energy. This is an aspect that shouldn’t be underestimated.

“You can replace 45% of the players, it’s an added value. We’re lucky to have interesting players on the bench too, they can be an added value like in Bergamo.”

Just like at Arsenal, Italy’s defensive squad depth is being celebrated, with few applauding Gattuso’s options more than Arteta. 

Mikel Arteta will be delighted to have Calafiori back

Calafiori has been a revelation early into this season, which, despite his quality, is a surprise considering Myles Lewis-Skelly’s claim to starting at left-back last term.

It’s already so clear what the Italian offers to Arteta’s back four, being innately strong defensively and a force to be reckoned with going forward.

Calafiori has been praised heavily for his start to the season, with the only concern being whether he can stay fit. 

Not having the 23-year-old feature against Israel before his return to North London is a huge plus for the Gunners, particularly with Nottingham Forest visiting on Saturday lunchtime.