Federico Chiesa set for return to Italy national team

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The wait is finally over for Federico Chiesa as the Liverpool winger is set to be recalled to the Italy national team squad for their World Cup qualifying fixtures against Estonia and Israel this September international break, ending a 13-month international exile.

The 27-year-old last donned the Azzurri shirt in devastating circumstances during Italy’s 2-0 defeat to Switzerland at Euro 2024 in Berlin, a match that saw the defending champions eliminated from the tournament in the round of 16.

The timing of Chiesa’s return could not be more crucial for Italy’s World Cup ambitions.

The Azzurri currently find themselves in a precarious position in Group I, having endured a disastrous start to their qualifying campaign with a shocking 3-0 defeat away to Norway.

That result cost former Italy boss Luciano Spalletti his job and left Italy facing an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification.

Under new management in Gennaro Gattuso, Italy will host Estonia at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo on September 5, before traveling to Debrecen in Hungary to face Israel on September 8.

These fixtures represent must-win encounters if Italy are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Italian journalist Nicolo Shira reported the news, taking to X to reveal:

“Federico Chiesa (Liverpool) and Matteo Politano (Napoli) are set to return to Italy National Team for the games against Estonia and Israel.”

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