Federico Chiesa, one of Italy’s exciting players, declined a national team call-up, said Gattuso.
The Liverpool winger has recent stats in the Premier League with 2 goals and 1 assist in 8 appearances in the 2025-2026 session.
Supporters want him in the squad. However, the latest squad announcement sparked debate across social media.
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso, according to him, talks to players. And I obey their choices moreover; it’s Federico’s choice not to be available.
Who is Federico Chiesa?
Federico Chiesa is the son of former professional football player Enrico Chiesa. He made his debut in 2016 for the Fiorentina youth academy.
Federico Chiesa stayed there for 4 years and scored 34 goals in 153 appearances across all competitions.
In the 2020-21 season he joined Juventus and won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in his first season.
Federico wins Coppa Italia in 2024 before he signs with Premier League giants Liverpool with a transfer of ยฃ12 million.
In 2018 he debuted for the senior team of Italy.
Also helped to win Euro 2020 and listed his team as team of the tournament. But his last appearance for the national team was Euro 2024.
And fewer chances to play full-time for the Reds are also hampering his career.
Gattuso defends the bold call, Federico Chiesa.
In Coverciano, Gattuso explained the decision was tactical and fitness based.
โFederico is a top player,โ he said. “But right now I need balance in the team.
Every call-up serves Italy as a team, not individuals.
” The Italy manager on Chiesaโs snub added that the door isnโt closed.
Future selections will depend on Chiesaโs consistency at Liverpool. โIf he keeps performing, heโll be back,โ Gattuso said.
Performance remains the ultimate measure. Chiesaโs composed response: Future selections will depend on Chiesaโs consistency at Liverpool.
โIf he keeps performing, heโll be back,โ Gattuso said. Performance remains the ultimate measure. Chiesaโs composed response:
But in a recent interview Gattuso speaks; he rejected the call-up. โI often talk to him.
We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has,โ Gattuso said of Chiesaโs absence on Monday, as cited by Reuters.
No official reply from Chiesa yet in public. Sparks mystery among fans.
Liverpool Boss reacts on Federico Chiesa.
As long as heโs here, heโs absolutely a Liverpool player. And I have no reason to think that will change. Last season was tough for Chiesa โ he struggled to regain full match fitness.
And unfortunately, we missed our pre-season Asian tour. That kind of setback costs you rhythm and sharpness.
Joe Gomez went through something similar, and we also lost Conor Bradley at the end.
So I shaped my substitutions around players who couldn’t yet go the full 90 minutes
When we needed Federico, I brought him on as a number nine, and he delivered.
Performances like that always help a playerโs future at the club.
Fans split over the decision
The Chiesa Italy exclusion sparked strong debate in Italy. Many questioned leaving out a Premier League star; others backed Gattusoโs emphasis on tactical balance.
Hashtags like #ChiesaBack and #ForzaAzzurri trended quickly.
Pundits debated whether Italy risked missing a chance. To rebuild around one of its brightest talents, while supporters discussed form, loyalty, and managerial authority.
Author’s Insight
For Chiesa, this episode is a challenge, not a rejection. He has bounced back from injuries and criticism before, letting performances speak louder than words.
The Italy national team squad news might not include his name now, but that could change. Chiesaโs combination of pace, discipline, and determination is rare.
Gattuso will find it hard to ignore a player thriving in Englandโs toughest league.
