Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has turned down a call-up to the Italy senior squad, manager Gennaro Gattuso has revealed.
Federico Chiesa entered Sunday’s 3–0 defeat to Manchester City as an 83rd-minute substitute, giving him barely any time to influence the match. Many Liverpool supporters later voiced frustration that the winger was introduced far too late.
Despite his limited minutes, the 27-year-old has already surpassed his Premier League involvement from last season — eight appearances compared to six — and has doubled his goal tally. However, all of his outings have come from the bench.
Chiesa’s restricted playing time at club level has not affected his standing with Italy. National team boss Gennaro Gattuso attempted to call him up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway.
Italy currently sit in the play-off position in Group I, three points behind Norway. With Norway holding a far superior goal difference (+26 to Italy’s +10), the Azzurri must win both of their remaining matches and hope Norway fail to beat Estonia in Oslo on November 13.
But during Monday’s press conference, AC Milan legend Gattuso confirmed that Italy will be without Chiesa for both fixtures.
“I speak with him often,” Gattuso said (via Football Italia). “We have to respect the circumstances and decisions each person has. We know what we say to each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. There’s nothing more I can add.”
When pressed on whether Chiesa opted out of the call-up, Gattuso responded: “Yes. This is the fourth or fifth time I’ve had to explain it.”
The exact reason behind Chiesa’s withdrawal — he hasn’t played for Italy since October 2024 — remains unclear. Although he has struggled with injuries in recent years, including a 14-game spell on the sidelines for Liverpool last season due to a muscle issue, he has remained fit throughout the current campaign.
His absence from international duty means he will spend the break training with Liverpool as Arne Slot’s squad tries to recover from a dreadful run of form. The Reds have lost five of their last six league games, and six of their last nine in all competitions.
Despite his limited minutes, Chiesa was voted Liverpool’s Player of the Month for September — an award decided by the fans.
Speaking to Sky Sports last week, he said: “Last year I didn’t play much, so having the support of the fans again gives me even more motivation. I always try to give everything, every time I’m on the pitch. I think the fans can see that, and I’m happy.”
