Liverpool attacker Federico Chiesa has again declined a call-up to the Italy squad for the November international break, with national team manager Gennaro Gattuso confirming the decision.
This withdrawal comes at a critical time for the Azzurri. The Azzurri will be heading into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway, where they must win, with the aim of escaping the playoff spot within their qualifying group.
Asked about the player’s decision to ignore a call-up to the Italy squad, Gattuso suggested the player was facing a “problem”. He said (via the Daily Mail):
“I talk to him a lot. We have to respect the decisions and problems each of us have. We know very well what to say to each other and I have to respect what the players tell me. I can’t say anything else.”
When specifically asked if Chiesa had chosen not to get involved, Gattuso’s response suggested a lingering pattern: “Yes, this is already the fourth or fifth time I’ve explained this.”
Federico Chiesa has not featured for Italy since 2024
Chiesa played a key role in Italy’s victory at Euro 2020, but has not featured for the national team since the disappointing Euro 2024.
In 51 appearances in his country’s senior league, the 28-year-old scored seven goals and assisted a further eight.
His decision to ignore the call-up was a surprise, especially given his limited minutes at Liverpool and the importance of the match given Italy having missed out on the last two World Cups.
The former Juventus star has been plagued by injuries since his move to Liverpool, and despite showing flashes such as winning the club’s Player of the Month award in September, he has mainly been used as a substitute by manager Arne Slott.
It remains to be seen whether his decision not to join Italy has anything to do with Liverpool, but Liverpool fans are sure to welcome the news as they want to see a happy and healthy Chiesa playing for the club, especially during these difficult times.
