Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso breaks silence after Federico Chiesa’s unexpected decision to turn down national team call-up
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed that Federico Chiesa turned down an invitation to join the national team for their November fixtures.
The Azzurri boss explained that Chiesa had previously admitted he wasn’t “100%” during the October international break, adding that the pair have maintained regular communication since then.
The 28-year-old forward hasn’t featured for Italy since his move to Liverpool at the end of the 2024 summer transfer window, with his last appearance coming in the European Championships defeat to Switzerland nearly 18 months ago.
Gattuso clarifies Chiesa’s Italy omission
Chiesa’s omission from Italy’s latest squad raised eyebrows when the list was announced on Sunday. Gattuso revealed that he had wanted to call up the Liverpool attacker for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway.
Speaking to Mail Sport, the former AC Milan star said:
> “I often talk to him. We must respect each other’s decisions and personal issues. We both know what’s been discussed, and I have to respect what the player tells me. That’s all I can say.”
When pressed on whether Chiesa had indeed declined the call-up, Gattuso replied:
“Yes, this is the fourth or fifth time I’ve had to explain it.”
Chiesa’s decision comes as a surprise
It’s somewhat unexpected that Chiesa opted out of international duty, especially given his limited playing time at Liverpool. Although he’s featured more this season than last, his only two starts have come in the Carabao Cup, and he has logged just 344 minutes of action so far (via Transfermarkt).
Meanwhile, speculation about his future continues to swirl, with reports in Italy suggesting Napoli are interested in bringing him back to Serie A in the coming months.
While the reasons behind Chiesa’s refusal remain unclear, it would be unfair to criticise him without knowing the full story. From Liverpool’s point of view, supporters will simply hope he remains fit and focused on performing for the Reds — contributing goals and energy whenever called upon.
