Image Credits: Imago Images
Federico Chiesa’s international exile shows no signs of ending, with the Liverpool forward rejecting yet another call-up from Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso for November’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway.
This marks the third consecutive international break where Chiesa has declined to represent the Azzurri, having previously turned down opportunities in both September and October.
The 28-year-old has not featured for his country since Euro 2024, despite showing encouraging signs of form at Anfield with two goals and three assists in 12 appearances this season.
Gattuso confirmed during a press conference that Chiesa personally informed him he was not ready to join the national team setup, stating: “I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has”.
When pressed by reporters to clarify whether the decision came from the player himself, Gattuso responded with notable frustration: “Yes, it’s already the fourth or fifth time that I’m explaining this”.
The Italy boss had previously explained in September that Chiesa “didn’t feel ready to come back because he wanted to be at 100 percent,” with similar reasoning provided in October
However, now a report from La Repubblica suggests the winger’s transition to Liverpool has proven mentally demanding as much as it has been physically.
Rather than pressuring his international star, the Italy boss has chosen patience, hoping that time and eventually greater opportunities at club level will restore the winger’s mental resilience and enable his eventual return to the national team setup ahead of crucial World Cup qualifying play-offs in March.
Gattuso is not upset at Chiesa and completely understands his siutation at Anfield.
Thankfully, it still seems that the Azzuri are counting on the Liverpool man for the World Cup next year.
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.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.