Arsenal defender Calafiori returns to Italy XI as France are held

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori returned to Italy’s starting XI on Friday as Roberto Mancini’s side earned a 1-1 Nations League draw against France.

The left-back replaced Matteo Ruggeri at the Stade de France, having been an unused substitute in Monday’s 4-1 victory over Turkey.

That marked a change from the defensive reshuffle which left Calafiori on the bench earlier in the international break.

🗣️ Roberto Mancini ahead of Italy’s Nations League trip to France in Paris on Friday night (7.45pm UK):

"When you are up against such strong teams, you never play not to win, so naturally we must always play looking for the victory. After that, anything can happen in a game… pic.twitter.com/AJ8Zid22KC

— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) October 2, 2026

Calafiori returns for Italy against France

Football Italia’s confirmed team news placed Calafiori alongside Alessandro Bastoni, Giorgio Scalvini and Michael Kayode in Italy’s back four.

France took the lead through Michael Olise in the 55th minute before Bastoni equalised after 68 minutes.

As Reuters’ match report details, Dayot Upamecano later received a second yellow card, leaving the hosts to finish with 10 men.

Calafiori remained involved in stoppage time, delivering a cross behind Moise Kean in front of goal, according to the Guardian’s live coverage.

Another Italy fixture before Arsenal return

Italy’s international programme is not finished. They host Turkey in Bologna on Monday 5 October, giving Mancini another selection decision before his players return to their clubs.

Arsenal then resume their Premier League campaign against Leeds United at the Emirates on Saturday 10 October, kicking off at 12.30pm BST.

That begins a busy sequence in Arsenal’s upcoming fixture schedule, with Lille visiting three days later before away matches against Nottingham Forest and Bayern Munich.