Federico Chiesa decision revealed with big admission on Liverpool star

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballFederico ChiesaThe Liverpool winger has not featured for his country since Euro 2024Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has revealed Federico Chiesa decided to turn down a call-up ahead of this month's World Cup qualifiers this month. The Italians will play Moldova and Norway as they look to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.Meanwhile, Chiesa has not featured for his country since the European Championships in 2024 where Italy crashed out of the tournament in the round-of-16.

Having had a positive start to the season, Gattuso hoped to have the winger in his squad.But that call was rejected, with the 47-year-old hinting that Chiesa is dealing with some 'problems.' In his press conference, Gattuso confirmed Chiesa's absence, stating: "I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has.READ MORE: Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann makes thinly-veiled Liverpool dig at Florian Wirtz issueREAD MORE: Liverpool contact PGMOL over disallowed Virgil van Dijk goal as significant concerns raised"We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me.

I can’t say anything else.”When asked whose decision it was, Gattuso suggested that this wasn't the first time Chiesa had declined a call-up."Yes, it's already the fourth or fifth time that I'm explaining this," he added.Chiesa also ruled himself out of contention for Italy back in September, due to not feeling '100%'."The Chiesa issue is very simple," Gattuso said at the time. "I talk to my players a lot, and I want to make that clear, a lot."I speak every week with Fede and he knows what I think of him, but I also have to respect what the player tells me."He does not feel at 100% and wants to be at 100%, that is the truth."Chiesa will remain with Liverpool to continue training.This campaign, he made eight Premier League appearances and featured twice in the Champions League, though he is yet to start a game under Arne Slot.