New Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has made it clear that Federico Chiesa has to play more at Liverpool
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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at Amex Stadium on May 19, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Federico Chiesa has been linked with a move away from Liverpool(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has been told he needs to be playing regularly if he is to realise his World Cup dream by new Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso. The forward made just one Premier League start last season.
That came which came in a 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion last month after the Premier League title had been won by Arne Slot's side. The £12m signing from Juventus featured for just 464 minutes across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign and, as a result, has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with clubs in Italy linked with a swoop.
Reds boss Slot said last month that Chiesa will be given a full pre-season to prove himself after his late addition to the squad in 2024 on the back of virtually no summer programme at Juve.
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But the forward has been linked with a return to his homeland, with Serie A champions Napoli reportedly interested.
And speaking at his unveiling as the new Azzurri boss, former AC Milan midfielder Gattuso has revealed he has held talks with Chiesa about what he must do to find his back into the international reckoning.
“I told Chiesa that he needs to find a way to get settled and play consistently," Gattuso said. "This applies to everyone."
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Speaking to Italian publication in La Gazetta dello Sport earlier this month, Chiesa said: “My family, my agent and I have a great relationship with Liverpool, and the goal is to be ready for the pre-season. We’ll find the best solution for everyone.
“I work every day with a Liverpool programme to be in top shape for the tests on July 8.
“While out of the squad (at Juventus), I was able to train in great condition, but I missed playing friendlies. I had to start from scratch at Liverpool and that held me back.
"I hope (next season) it's my season, my dream is to participate in the World Cup. I played and won a European Championship, the World Cup would be the best."
Despite speculation linking Chiesa with a transfer back to Italy, Slot said last month that he expects the attacker to remain on Merseyside, suggesting he will given a chance after a full and interrupted pre-season period.
Asked if Chiesa had a future at the club, Slot said: "Yes, definitely he has, yes. Definitely. I think everyone playing for us over here has a future over here.
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"Next season, if he comes back completely fit, which he has hardly been for the first half-season but then afterwards he became fitter and fitter.
"The next steps should have been playing time, which I couldn't give him. But I can give him playing time in pre-season, so he can build himself up and then go even further."