Why Federico Chiesa Has Turned Down Another Italy Call-Up and Refuses to Represent the National Team
A beloved figure among Liverpool fans for his tireless effort whenever given the opportunity, Federico Chiesa is also an established international for Italy. The 28-year-old made his debut for Gli Azzurri in 2018, featuring for 62 minutes on the right wing in a 2–0 defeat to Argentina. Since then, he has amassed over 50 international appearances.
Federico Chiesa – Club Career
Club Games Goals Assists
Fiorentina 153 34 26
Juventus 131 32 24
Fiorentina Primavera 40 11 4
Liverpool 26 4 5
Why Chiesa Turned Down Italy Call-Up Under Gattuso
Despite being a crucial figure for Italy, particularly during Euro 2020, Chiesa will not feature during the November international break. Instead, he is expected to remain on Merseyside as Italy prepare to face Moldova and group leaders Norway in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Italy have yet to secure qualification and will have to do so without Chiesa, whose last international appearance came in June 2024 during a 2–0 defeat to Switzerland.
At club level, the quick and skillful winger has made 26 appearances for Liverpool since joining midway through 2024. However, injuries have hampered his ability to become a consistent starter, limiting him mainly to substitute appearances. Despite that, he continues to be considered for international duty — though he recently chose to decline the call-up.
During a press conference at Coverciano, Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso confirmed that Chiesa, the 2021 Italian Footballer of the Year, had once again opted out of national team selection. Gattuso told Football Italia:
> “I often talk to him. We have to respect each person’s decisions and circumstances. We know what we’ve discussed, and I must respect what he tells me. I can’t add anything more.”
When pressed on who made the final decision, Gattuso hinted that this was not the first time Chiesa had declined a call-up, saying, “Yes, this is already the fourth or fifth time I’ve had to explain this.”
Back in October, Gattuso had stated that Chiesa’s omission was due to him not feeling fully fit. The manager emphasized that they maintain open communication and that the forward doesn’t want to return until he’s physically ready.
> “The Chiesa situation is simple. I talk to my players a lot — every week with Fede. He knows what I think of him, but I have to respect what he tells me. He doesn’t feel 100% and wants to return only when he is.”
Although he’ll miss the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway, the break offers Chiesa time to regain form. Liverpool’s schedule remains demanding, with upcoming matches against Nottingham Forest, PSV Eindhoven, and West Ham United.
