Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa has once again opted out of international duty, with Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso confirming that the winger personally declined a place in the national squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway.
When asked why the Reds star wasn’t named in the squad, Gattuso made it clear during his press conference that the decision came from the player himself.
> “I must respect what the player tells me. We talk often, and I can’t go beyond that. There are things between us that must remain private,” Gattuso explained.
This marks yet another absence for Chiesa, who has not featured for the Azzurri since their Euro 2024 Round of 16 exit to Switzerland. Despite boasting 51 caps, his last goals for Italy came in November 2023 against North Macedonia.
The Italy manager has repeatedly mentioned that Chiesa doesn’t yet feel “100% ready,” emphasizing that the forward wants to return only when fully fit.
During this international break, Chiesa will remain at Liverpool, continuing to train under Arne Slot. The 28-year-old has struggled for consistent game time at Anfield — recording five goal involvements in 12 appearances this season, most of which have come off the bench.
Though fans voted him Player of the Month in September, his limited minutes and exclusion from Liverpool’s initial Champions League squad underline the uncertainty surrounding his form and fitness.
Meanwhile, Italy’s attacking options for the November fixtures include Gianluca Scamacca, Moise Kean, Mattia Zaccagni, Giacomo Raspadori, and Matteo Politano, leaving a notable gap where Chiesa’s name could have been.
With Gattuso hinting there are “issues” best kept internal, the question remains — what’s really keeping Chiesa from wearing the blue shirt again? 👀🔥
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