Image Credits: Imago Images
Federico Chiesa is still working his way back to full fitness at Liverpool following a slow campaign last season.
The 28-year-old has not featured for the Italy national team since Euro 2024.
The former Juventus star endured an injury-plagued season last term but has started the new campaign in better form, registering two goals and three assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.
Despite not being a regular starter under Arne Slot, Liverpool fans voted Chiesa as their Player of the Month for September.
However, Chiesa has now gone more than a year without an international appearance.
According to Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso, Chiesa turned down the opportunity to join the national team for the November international break.
Gattuso revealed that he spoke with the Liverpool forward, who told him he was not yet ready to link up with the squad ahead of Italy’s World Cup qualifying matches against Moldova and Norway.
“I must respect what the player tells me,” Gattuso said in a press conference, via Football Italia.
“I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has.
“We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else.”
Gattuso also disclosed that this was not the first time Chiesa had declined a national team call-up.
“Yes, it’s already the fourth or fifth time that I’m explaining this,” said the Azzurri boss.
The Azzurri will face Moldova on Thursday, before hosting Norway at San Siro on Sunday.
Chiesa attracted interest from several Serie A clubs but opted to remain at Liverpool last summer.
With a World Cup year approaching, he will surely be aiming to return to the Italy squad for next summer’s tournament.
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