Federico Chiesa hasn’t dropped out of Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso’s plans after turning down call-ups – and could be involved in this month’s World Cup playoffs.
Chiesa has not played for Italy since Euro 2024, though not for want of trying on head coach Gattuso’s part.
The Liverpool forward has been consistently offered a place in the squad only to reject all invitations to focus on his fitness and form for his club.
But with Italy set to play Northern Ireland in the semi-finals of the World Cup playoffs later this month, Chiesa could come back into contention.
Tuttosport reports that he has been included in Gattuso’s preliminary squad for the clash in Bergamo on March 26.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 06: In this handout picture provided by UEFA, Federico Chiesa of Italy speaks to the media during the Italy Press Conference after the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match between Italy and Spain at Wembley Stadium on July 06, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by UEFA)
It is explained that Chiesa met with Italian officials and players at a dinner in London last month, which marked his first in-person contact with the national team since the Euros.
No final decision has been made on the 28-year-old’s involvement in the semi-final against Northern Ireland and a call will be made after a follow-up check in mid-March.
With it clear that he has no long-term future under Arne Slot at Liverpool, however, it stands to reason that Chiesa could restore his focus to the national team ahead of a potential role at the 2026 World Cup.
If Italy beat Northern Ireland in their semi-final they will face one of Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in a final on March 31 – with the winners of that tie advancing to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Will Liverpool sell Federico Chiesa this summer?
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 22, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates with team-mate Federico Chiesa after scoring the first goal, but was later disallowed by VAR, during the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Chiesa will almost certainly be seeking a new club in the summer and the World Cup could provide him with a platform to earn a high-profile move away from Liverpool.
Juventus were strongly linked with the versatile attacker in January but there was no prospect of a move as Liverpool ruled out any deals for senior players.
That will change at the end of the season with the club actively pursuing new targets in the wide areas, while Alexander Isak‘s imminent return will bolster the centre-forward ranks and relieve the burden on Hugo Ekitike.
Interest in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande highlights the plan for the next transfer window, as Liverpool are likely to make at least one significant signing in attack.
Federico Chiesa: 2025/26 Liverpool Stats
Competition Apps (Starts) Total Minutes G / A
Premier League 21 (1) 264′ 3 / 1
Champions League 4 (0) 77′ 1 / 0
League Cup 2 (2) 180′ 0 / 2
FA Cup 2 (2) 137′ 0 / 0
TOTALS 29 (5) 658′ 3 / 3
* Data via Transfermarkt as of March 5, 2026.