Image Credits: Imago Images
Gennaro Gattuso has spoken about Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa and his ongoing absence from the Italy squad.
The 28-year-old Chiesa has not represented Italy since Euro 2024, when the Azzurri were eliminated in the round of 16.
Chiesa struggled with injuries during his first season at Liverpool, limiting him to just six Premier League appearances following his move to Anfield.
However, he has played a more key role under Arne Slot this campaign.
He has featured eight times in the Premier League and 12 times across all competitions, contributing two goals and three assists as he was named Liverpool’s Player of the Month in September.
Since his appointment as Italy’s national team manager in June, Gattuso has expressed a desire to recall Chiesa.
Despite this, the forward declined call-ups for the September, October, and November international breaks.
Gattuso revealed that he spoke with Chiesa, 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 was quizzed again about Chiesa’s availability after Italy were drawn at home against Northern Ireland in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
He emphasised that the decision rests with the player, reiterating that Chiesa’s absence is his own choice rather than the manager’s.
“You know it well. You know Chiesa’s problem,” he told Sky Sports Italia.
“You always ask me the same thing.
“I call Chiesa in every call-up; I always talk to him. The problem is not Gattuso or his staff; he has a problem, not us.
“You know it well. You always ask the same thing, and I always answer the same.”
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