Liverpool star Federico Chiesa makes Italy decision as Gennaro Gattuso reveals big call
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Daily Mirror IconSportFootballFederico ChiesaFederico Chiesa has not featured for Italy since the 2024 European Championships and has once again turned down a call-up for this month's World Cup qualifiersItaly manager Gennaro Gattuso has disclosed that Federico Chiesa opted against accepting a call-up for this month's World Cup qualifiers. The Azzurri face Moldova and Norway as they attempt to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014.The Liverpool star Chiesa has been absent from international duty since Euro 2024, where Italy were eliminated in the last 16.
Despite an encouraging start to the campaign, Gattuso was keen to include the winger in his squad.However, the request was turned down, with the 47-year-old suggesting Chiesa is experiencing some 'problems.' During his press conference, Gattuso acknowledged Chiesa's unavailability, saying: "I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has.READ MORE: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz sends defiant three-word message after being destroyed by Gary NevilleREAD MORE: Liverpool contact PGMOL after being left furious by disallowed goal in Man City clash"We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me.
I can't say anything else."When questioned about who made the final call, Gattuso indicated this was not the first occasion Chiesa had turned down international selection."Yes, it's already the fourth or fifth time that I'm explaining this," he continued.Chiesa also withdrew himself from Italy duty in September, citing that he wasn't feeling '100%'."The Chiesa issue is very simple," Gattuso explained 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 stay put with Liverpool to continue his training.This season, he's made eight appearances in the Premier League and featured twice in the Champions League, but he hasn't yet started a game under Arne Slot.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.