Selecting Chiesa for the national team is an unpopular choice, one for which Gattuso is ready to defend. When it comes to taking on responsibility, Rino has never shied away; if he has chosen to call him up, it is because he is convinced he can add value, not because of a lack of alternatives****. And there are reasons to believe him. With 51 caps,**** Liverpool’s current number 14 – who hasn’t worn the Azzurri shirt since the round of 16 at Euro 2024 (a defeat against Switzerland) –is the striker with the most appearances in the squad, ahead of Raspadori (45), Retegui (26), Kean (24), Scamacca (22) and Pio Esposito (5). Within this group, he is the third-most capped player for the national team, behind only Donnarumma (79) and Barella (68). An experienced player who understands the importance of do-or-die matches and is aware of just how delicate the situation is.A striker with qualities that no one else in the squad possesses, who has improved whilst on Merseyside, particularly mentally. Someone who, coming off the bench, can truly make an impact through his intensity and quality. In this Italy side, for now, he may not be a first-choice starter, but he can be a trump card.