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Federico Chiesa question remains unanswered as Rio Ngumoha takes Liverpool step

Towards the back-end of last season, Arne Slot challenged Federico Chiesa to make the most of pre-season ahead of the new campaign after a year on the fringes at Anfield.

While the Italian admitted earlier this summer he would be open to a return to Italy, his future remains uncertain.

But he was given the nod up front here against Preston by Slot as the Dutchman gave him an early opportunity to hit the ground running.

Much like his full Premier League debut at Brighton, the Italy international was bullied at times down the middle during the opening moments.

But he did grow into the game as the half wore on, before being withdrawn at half-time as Slot changed his entire XI.

At one point, he looked to race clear of the defence and run through on goal, only to be forced wide.

Still, he recovered possession in the box, only to curl just wide.

Yet the opening goal did come following smart play from Chiesa.

Receiving possession from Rio Ngumoha in the box, he burst past one defender before firing in a low cross that was fired in by Conor Bradley, via a touch en route from Dominik Szoboslzai.

Chiesa’s future remains undecided with talk of overseas interest having gone quiet in recent weeks.

But having been left playing catch-up last season, joining the Reds after being frozen out by Juventus, this was a positive start to the summer for the Italian.

Read Theo Squires' full analysis from Sunday's pre-season friendly against Preston North End, here.