Federico Chiesa 'problem' emerges as manager hits back after Liverpool decision

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Gennaro Gattuso has again been quizzed about Federico Chiesa's ongoing absence from the Italy squad after the Liverpool forward again declined an international call-upGennaro Gattuso has claimed Federico Chiesa ‘has a problem’ after pointing the finger at the Liverpool forward when again addressing his ongoing absence from the Italy squad. The 28-year-old has not represented his country since their European Championships round-of-16 exit against Switzerland back in June 2024.Chiesa endured an injury-plagued first season on Merseyside as he struggled with fitness issues following his move to Anfield, and was limited to just six Premier League appearances as a result.However, he has enjoyed a more prominent role under Arne Slot this season with the forward already featuring eight times in the English top-flight and 12 times in all competitions.READ MORE: Jamie Carragher urges Liverpool to complete January transfer - 'They have to'READ MORE: Liverpool gave me five-year contract and sold me days later - I was heartbrokenReturning two goals and three assists, Gattuso has wanted to recall Chiesa to the Italy squad following his appointment at national manager back in June.However, the Reds star declined call-ups ahead of the September, October and November international breaks.Gattuso was again asked about Chiesa’s availability after Italy were drawn at home to Northern Ireland in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.And he insisted it is down to the forward whether he returns, reiterating that Chiesa’s ongoing absence is his own decision rather than that of the Italy manager.“You know it well.

You know Chiesa’s problem,” he told Sky Sports Italia. The problem is not Gattuso or his staff; he has a problem, not us.“You know it well.

Learn moreSky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.Meanwhile, Italy World Cup winner Francesco Graziani insists that the Azzurri need Chiesa back in their ranks to give them the best chance of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup.“We will qualify for the World Cup, but in this team, there are no champions,” the 1982 World Cup told Tuttosport. Chiesa absolutely needs to be recovered.”Chiesa has made 51 appearances for Italy, scoring seven times, and was their star player when they won the European Championships in 2021.While the Italian has featured more prominently for Liverpool for this season, he has still found his game-time somewhat limited with his only two starts coming in the League Cup.Chiesa has been linked with a January exit as a result, though has previously insisted publicly that he wants to stay put at Anfield.Gattuso previously revealed that the forward had declined an international call-up ahead of the October international break because he did 'not feel at 100 per cent', and wanted to be back at 100 per cent before returning to the Italy set-up.While it remains to be seen if he will have a decision to make about his future in January, as Liverpool also continue to be linked with a move for Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth, his ongoing international stance will again be put to the test in 2026 if Chiesa wishes to represent Italy at next summer's World Cup.