Daily Express

Liverpool star refused international call-up as boss hints at 'problems'

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(Image: Getty Images)Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has disclosed that Federico Chiesa opted to reject a call-up for this month's World Cup qualifiers. However, that request was declined, with the 47-year-old suggesting Chiesa is grappling with certain "problems."During his press conference, Gattuso acknowledged Chiesa's absence, explaining: "I often talk to him.



I can't say anything else."When pressed on whose choice it was, Gattuso indicated this was not Chiesa's first rejection of international duty."Yes, it's already the fourth or fifth time that I'm explaining this," he continued.Federico Chiesa of Italy celebrates (Image: Getty Images)Chiesa had previously withdrawn from Italy consideration in September, citing he was not feeling "100% per cent.""The Chiesa issue is very simple," Gattuso remarked at the time.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.

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