Liverpool striker Federico Chiesa has once again declined his call-up to the Italy squad for the November international break, a decision confirmed by national team coach Gennaro Gattuso.
The withdrawal comes at a critical time for the Azzurri, who face must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway as they fight to escape the play-offs in their qualifying group.
Gattuso suggested the player had “problems” when asked about the Italian’s decision to snub the Italy call-up. He said (via Daily Mail):
“I talk to him often. We have to respect the decisions and the problems that each of us has. We know well what we say to each other and I have to respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else.”
When asked specifically if Chiesa chose not to be involved, Gattuso’s response suggested a continuing pattern: “Yes. This is already the fourth or fifth time I’ve explained this.”
Federico Chiesa has not played for Italy since 2024
Chiesa played a key role in Italy’s Euro 2020 victory, however, he has not featured for the national team since the disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.
In 51 senior caps for his country, the 28-year-old has scored seven goals and assisted a further eight.
His decision to decline the appeal comes as a surprise, especially given Liverpool’s limited playing time and the importance of the matches given Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup the last two times.
The former Juventus star has suffered injury since joining Liverpool, and despite flashes of brilliance, even winning the club’s Player of the Month award in September, he has mainly been used as a substitute by manager Arne Slot.
Whether his decision not to join Italy has anything to do with Liverpool remains to be seen, however, Liverpool fans will surely welcome this news as they prefer to have a happy and fit Chiesa playing for the club, especially in these difficult times.
