Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has ruled himself out of the Italy national team's November internationals, the country's manager Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed
Federico Chiesa before the Champions League game between Liverpool and Real Madrid.
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has opted not to represent Italy(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
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Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has rejected the opportunity to represent Italy during the November international window. That's according to manager Gennaro Gattuso.
The Italy chief revealed to journalists that he had discussions with Chiesa, who is said to have informed him that he wasn't prepared to join the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures against Moldova and Norway. The Reds fan favorite hasn't featured for his country since Euro 2024.
"I must respect what the player tells me," Gattuso explained during a press conference. "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."
Previously, Gattuso disclosed that Chiesa had informed him he doesn't feel "100 per cent" and only wishes to rejoin Italy when he believes he's completely prepared to contribute.
Without the 28-year-old available, Italy's forward line includes Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter Milan), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atletico Madrid), Mateo Retegui (Al Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), and Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio).
Instead of representing Italy, Chiesa will continue training with Liverpool.
This campaign, he has found the net twice but has struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter under Arne Slot. He featured for the entire match as a heavily rotated Liverpool side were knocked out of the League Cup at Anfield by Crystal Palace, before being limited to brief cameos in subsequent fixtures.
Chiesa remained on the bench throughout the clash with Aston Villa. He was then introduced as a substitute for just a few minutes against both Real Madrid and Manchester City.
During the summer transfer window, the Italian attracted attention from Serie A clubs but opted to remain at Anfield. With the World Cup on the horizon, he will undoubtedly be eager to earn a recall to the Italy national team for next summer's tournament.
Despite his limited playing time, Chiesa revealed to Sky Sports last week that securing the Premier League title with Liverpool ranked among the top three achievements of his career.
"Winning it for Liverpool, playing with amazing players, it was just amazing," he remarked before the Manchester City encounter.
"Even though I didn't participate that much, but I was glad I won that trophy."
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