Federico Chiesa sent clear transfer message as 'fragile' verdict issued on Liverpool forward

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has dropped out of contention for Italy this week, with the 28-year-old having initially agreed to return to the national team fold

Liverpool's Italian forward Federico Chiesa.(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Former AC Milan and Italy midfielder Massimino Ambrosini has sent a message to "fragile" Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa after he was sent home from international duty this week.

A statement from the Italian Football Association confirmed that Chiesa had linked up with the squad only to be assessed by the medical team, who determined that he wasn't fit enough to be involved in the huge game with Northern Ireland. The winner will play Wales or Bosnia with the aim of qualifying for the World Cup.

"All players are different," Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso explained in a press conference. "He didn’t feel up to it. He went back home, and I have to accept that.

"If a player tells me he’s not feeling well and is convinced of that, it’s useless to keep insisting. Chiesa was called up, but he had a minor physical problem, and we decided not to include him in the squad."

Chiesa has made 32 appearances under Arne Slot this season, but only five of those have been starts for Liverpool. Only one of those starts has come in either the Premier League or the Champions League.

"It's not easy because we're talking about a psychological situation for him," Ambrosini told GOAL. "I know that he has maybe some issues to solve. And he's a very fragile guy sometimes.

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"So he needs to find his power in his mind, first of all. So maybe coming back to Italy could help him. Maybe this situation could help him. Coming back, feeling different feelings, despite what happened in Liverpool. Why not?

"Here in Italy, we were talking about him for Juventus even in January. Maybe coming back where you know everybody could help him, could help Juventus.

"But first of all, he has to refine his power inside him. His confidence. And I hope so for him.

"Even for Juventus or AC Milan, if they decide to play in another way. Because for AC Milan, the style they decide to go with this season, they don't need a player like Federico.

"But even if it's not the top team in Italy, coming back to Italy with another choice, a squad on that level could be good for him. It's important that he chooses a situation that is good for him, where he feels good."

Chiesa was signed on a cut-price deal from Juventus in 2024 but there was always a risk that he wasn't going to be fit enough to make an impact. His game time has normally come in the form of a late cameo off the bench here and there.

In the rare moments when Chiesa has been thrown in to start games, he hasn't made much of a difference and has lacked the speed required to inject something exciting into the Liverpool attack.

Liverpool.com says: Chiesa was never going to be the first name on the teamsheet but the Reds have lacked pace out wide this season, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo struggling. The Italian has been unable to help out.