Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa Withdraws from Italy Squad Once Again — Gattuso Hints at ‘Private Issues’ Behind Decision 🇮🇹🔴
Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has once again turned down a call-up to the Italy national team, with head coach Gennaro Gattuso confirming that the player personally declined an invitation to join the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway.
When pressed on Chiesa’s omission, Gattuso made it clear during his press conference that the decision came directly from the player.
“I must respect what the player tells me,” Gattuso said. “We speak often, and I can’t go beyond that. There are things between us that must remain private.”
This latest withdrawal extends Chiesa’s absence from international football — he has not featured for the Azzurri since the Euro 2024 Round of 16 defeat to Switzerland. Despite amassing 51 caps for his country, his last goal for Italy dates back to November 2023 against North Macedonia.
Gattuso has previously stressed that Chiesa does not yet feel “100% ready,” noting that the winger only wants to return to the national setup when he’s fully fit — both physically and mentally.
During the international break, Chiesa will remain in Liverpool, continuing to train under Arne Slot. The 28-year-old has endured a stop-start season so far, managing five goal involvements in 12 appearances, most of which have come from the bench.
Although fans voted him Liverpool’s Player of the Month in September, his limited minutes and exclusion from the Champions League squad have raised questions about his role under Slot and the true extent of his fitness struggles.
Meanwhile, Italy’s attacking lineup for November features Gianluca Scamacca, Moise Kean, Mattia Zaccagni, Giacomo Raspadori, and Matteo Politano, leaving a conspicuous gap where Chiesa’s name might otherwise have appeared.
Gattuso’s comments have done little to quell speculation, with many wondering whether deeper issues — beyond fitness — are keeping Chiesa out of the national team setup.
For now, both player and manager are keeping their cards close to their chest. But one thing is clear: Italy’s attack feels incomplete without Chiesa, and his continued absence will only fuel more questions about what’s really going on behind the scenes. 👀
