A new twist in the Federico Chiesa saga emerges as the manager fires back over his Liverpool-related omission.

Gennaro Gattuso has suggested that Federico Chiesa is dealing with a personal issue, after once again singling out the Liverpool forward while discussing his continued absence from the Italy national team. The 28-year-old hasn’t played for the Azzurri since their Euro 2024 round-of-16 defeat to Switzerland.

 

Chiesa’s first season at Liverpool was disrupted by persistent injury problems, restricting him to only six Premier League appearances. But under Arne Slot this season, he has enjoyed more minutes, making eight league appearances and 12 in all competitions, contributing two goals and three assists.

 

Despite this upturn, Chiesa has rejected call-ups for the September, October, and November international breaks. After Italy were drawn against Northern Ireland in the World Cup qualifying play-offs, Gattuso was once again asked about the winger’s availability. He made it clear that the decision lies solely with Chiesa.

 

“You know very well what Chiesa’s problem is,” he told Sky Sports Italia. “You keep asking, and I keep giving the same answer. I call him every time. I speak to him every time. The issue is not with me or my staff—he has a problem, not us.”

 

Meanwhile, Italy legend Francesco Graziani has urged the Azzurri to bring Chiesa back, insisting his quality is essential if Italy hope to qualify for next summer’s World Cup. “We will qualify, but this squad has no true champions,” he said. “We’re missing players of the calibre of Del Piero or Totti. Chiesa must be recovered.”

 

Chiesa, who has 51 caps and seven goals, was Italy’s standout performer during their Euro 2021 triumph. Although he has been more involved for Liverpool this season, most of his appearances have come from the bench, with only two starts—both in the League Cup.

 

Speculation continues over a possible January exit, but Chiesa has publicly expressed his desire to stay at Anfield. Gattuso previously revealed that the forward turned down an October call-up because he “did not feel 100 per cent” and wanted to be fully fit before returning to international duty.

 

With Liverpool exploring other forward options—such as Antoine Semenyo—Chiesa’s situation may still evolve. But his stance on Italy will again become a major talking point in 2026, especially if he hopes to be part of the squad at the next World Cup.