Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso: Frederico Chiesa rejects call-up

Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed that Liverpool attacker Federico Chiesa has once again declined to show up for the national team duty scheduled for November.

This will be Chiesa’s fourth or fifth time of turning down a call-up for international duty, since playing his last game for the Azzurri in the disappointing 2024 Euro campaign.

Chiesa’s withdrawal comes at a crucial moment for the Azzurri, who face must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway as they battle to escape the play-off spot in their qualification group.

Speaking via the Daily Mail, the Italy boss revealed that the player is dealing with ‘problems’, when asked about the Italian’s decision to snub the Italy call-up.

“I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has. We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else.”

When pressed specifically on whether Chiesa had chosen not to be part of the squad, Gattuso’s reply suggested a persistent pattern: “Yes. It’s already the fourth or fifth time that I’m explaining this.”

Chiesa, who played a pivotal role in Italy’s Euro 2020 win, has not featured for the national team since Euro 2024. The 28-year-old has scored seven goals and provided eight assists, earning 51 caps for the Azurri senior team.

Italy have not qualified for the World Cup for the past two occasions, and Chiesa’s inclusion in the squad and experience could play a major role in their potential automatic qualification to next year’s football mundial.

Since his move to Liverpool in the summer, the former Juventus and Fiorentina forward has seen limited playing time due to injuries and competition in his position.

Despite flashes of brilliance—including September’s Player of the Month award—Chiesa has mostly been used as a substitute by manager Arne Slot.

His decision comes as a surprise to the Italy boss. One that may require further explanation, if one has not been provided already by the player and his camp.