Riccardo Calafiori has stated that he is currently experiencing one of the strongest physical spells of his career, after injuries repeatedly disrupted his first two seasons at Arsenal.

Speaking before Italy's 3-1 win over France at San Siro on Thursday night, the defender said he is living "one of the best periods ever from a physical point of view", according to Daily Cannon.

An injury-hit start in England

In the summer of 2024, Calafiori moved to Arsenal from Bologna for £40 million, and during his first two campaigns he was absent for 44 matches at club and international level.

He ended that campaign with 19 Premier League appearances.

The following season brought a hip issue in November, a muscle injury running from late December into much of January, and a knock in April that sidelined him for roughly three weeks. His league involvement still rose to 26 appearances.

Latest setback and return

A rib complaint sustained against Everton in October ruled him out of the League Cup loss to Fleetwood, yet after resuming training he was immediately restored to the team.

Starting in the 1-0 Premier League victory against Hull City marked his ninth league start this season out of 10 matches in which he was available.

Leading by example

Calafiori, who has 18 caps, said it is too early to describe himself as a leader and that he prefers to "drag the team with deeds, with actions more than with words".

He played the full 90 minutes as Italy beat a France team featuring no Arsenal players.

Photo: Photo2023 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0, resized.