Liverpool fans were left stunned after head coach Arne Slot made a notable decision about Federico Chiesa ahead of the Reds game against Wolves in the Premier League
15:39, 27 Dec 2025
Federico Chiesa looks on during Liverpool's game against Tottenham
Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool fans were left in disbelief as Arne Slot named Federico Chiesa in the starting lineup against Wolves.
Chiesa makes his first Premier League start of the season as Arne Slot is forced to make two changes for the game at Anfield, altering the side that defeated Tottenham 2-1 last weekend for the Reds’ final game of 2025.
Chiesa’s only previous league start came in the 3-2 loss to Brighton on May 19, after Liverpool had already secured the title. For one reason or another, Slot had consistently appeared reluctant to give the Italian a starting role, often opting for a different approach despite calls from supporters.
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Fans have taken to X/Twitter to share their reaction to Chiesa starting. One user said: "Massive breaking news, Federico Chiesa starts a Premier League game for Liverpool Football Club."
Another user said: "Federico Chiesa starting Pl match. It's been long overdue. Hope he takes full advantage of the chance." A third supporter added: "Ah well, Arne Slot is learning or forced into a good decision! Federico Chiesa is starting a Premier League game for LFC."
A fourth user said: "Federico Chiesa starting for Liverpool in 2025 in the Premier League. It's about time." A fifth fan added: "Me circling the family function to announce that Federico Chiesa is starting a game of football."
Liverpool will be without Alexander Isak until later in the season, as the Swede recovers from a broken leg, leaving Hugo Ekitike as the team’s only fit out-and-out striker.
Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa makes his first start in the Premier League this season
With Ekitike’s fitness and freshness now crucial, Slot suggested in a pre-match press briefing that Chiesa could be deployed in a central role to help cover for Isak’s absence and ease the striker’s workload against Wolves.
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“He ( Ekitike ) is not the only No. 9 I have,” Slot said. “Federico Chiesa can play in that position as well, so I have the chance to maybe, I wouldn’t say rest him, but take him off if he’s completely tired.”
Chiesa has been granted just 151 minutes of Premier League action all from the bench until the Wolves game. However, Slots recent comments indicate Chiesa could play a role during a period when managing Ekitike carefully is crucial, with nine fixtures scheduled for January alone.
Chiesa is also expected to feature in other attacking positions in the weeks ahead, though the extent of his involvement will ultimately depend on Slot’s tactical choices and how the squad navigates the congested schedule.