Italy manager Roberto Mancini has held talks with Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa poses during the official UEFA Champions League 2026/27 portrait session
Federico Chiesa poses during the official UEFA Champions League 2026/27 portrait session(Image: 2026 UEFA)
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Roberto Mancini has revealed he has held talks with Federico Chiesa - and claimed that the Liverpool forward is struggling with fitness issues.
Chiesa has made just one substitute appearance for the Reds so far this season, coming on for the final two minutes in their 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League, and has been included in just three matchday squads by head coach Andoni Iraola.
The 29-year-old missed the start of the season after suffering a back injury during pre-season while he was not named in Liverpool’s 25-man squad for this season’s Champions League league phase.
Since making his comeback against City, he has been left out of the Reds matchday squad for three of their last four Premier League matches while he was left unused on the bench for their League Cup victory over Chelsea.
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A £10m signing from Juventus in the summer of 2024, Chiesa was limited to nothing more than a bit-part role under former head coach Arne Slot.
He made 50 appearances for the Dutchman, returning five goals and four assists, but only ever started nine times.
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Yet his opportunities have dried up even further under Iraola, with the Basque instead favouring given game-time to youngster Lewis Koumas.
With Hugo Ekitike due back for an Achilles injury midway through the campaign, Chiesa is likely to fall further down the Reds pecking order.
But that has not stopped Mancini from keeping the door open for the Liverpool forward to make an international return.
Chiesa was a star player under his compatriot during the former Man City’s boss first stint in charge of the Italy national side as they won Euro 2020.
FLORENCE, ITALY - JUNE 06: Head coach of Italy Roberto Mancini and Federico Chiesa of Italy during an Italy Training Session at Forte Village Resort on June 06, 2023 in Santa Margherita di Pula, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Head coach Roberto Mancini and forward Federico Chiesa during an Italy training session at Forte Village Resort on June 06, 2023 in Santa Margherita di Pula
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However, he has not played for his country since their round-of-16 exit from Euro 2024, often declining call-ups by former manager Gennaro Gattuso.
Mancini has now admitted that Chiesa needs to regain his fitness before he can be considered for an international recall.
But the ex-Man City boss revealed he is confident the Liverpool forward can make his return too despite his disrupted start to the season and limited game-time during his time at Anfield.
“As far as Federico is concerned, I have already spoken with Federico several times, including recently,” Mancini revealed. “Right now, he isn't playing and needs to regain his fitness and get back into shape.
“But he is a 29-year-old player, still in the prime of his physical maturity, so I believe he can return with us very soon."