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Federico Chiesa of Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Sometimes there is no escaping history.

When Federico Chiesa became the only fresh face in the Liverpool squad under new head coach Arne Slot before the transfer window closed last summer, much was made of the previous success of Italian players who have moved to Anfield.

Basically, there wasn't any, with players ranging from Alberto Aquilani to Gabriel Paletta failing, for a variety of reasons, to leave any lingering impact.



None of them lasted more than 18 months in the first team.

There was, though, quiet optimism over Chiesa bucking that trend, not least because his relatively small fee meant there was no expectation on the shoulders of the forward.

For Liverpool, the move was a no-brainer.

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But having missed out on his usual pre-season preparations after being dumped from the first-team squad with previous club Juventus, the 27-year-old was already behind the eight ball before he even started at Liverpool.

And the unexpectedly strong opening to the campaign from the Reds - and the obvious issue of being understudy to the relentless Mohamed Salah - made it difficult for the forward before he was then sidelined for two months with an injury after just two substitute appearances and a debut start when assisting a goal in the League Cup win over West Ham United.

After his return in December, Chiesa remained fit but made only three further starts and a smattering of substitute appearances.

Over 14 outings he totalled only 466 minutes, just 104 of which came in the Premier League although, with six games, he was guaranteed a winners' medal.

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There was a goal against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup and a penalty won at PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League dead rubber.

But otherwise, save a sprightly cameo late on in the dramatic win at Brentford, his only other contribution of note was to give Liverpool hope of a late comeback in the dismal League Cup final defeat against Newcastle United.

The impact was sufficient for some supporters confused by the continued oversight of Chiesa by Slot to call for the Italian to be given regular minutes, particularly with neither Diogo Jota nor Darwin Nunez consistently impressing.

That Liverpool romped home to the Premier League title, and Chiesa appeared well off the pace in his intermittent outings, suggests the Reds boss was correct in his call.

While a popular squad member and happy at Liverpool, Chiesa recently admitted he wants a place in Italy's World Cup squad should they qualify for the United States next summer and a return to his homeland would therefore appeal.

Newly-crowned Serie A champions Napoli are among those interested, and a move from Anfield would perhaps best suit player and club.

And at least Chiesa, unlike his previous countrymen to venture to Liverpool, would depart a champion.

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Season rating: 4


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