Federico Chiesa statement issued as Liverpool star immediately leaves Italy squad

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The Liverpool winger was named in Gennaro Gattuso's Italy squad last week for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but has faced an immediate blow upon meeting up with the squad

Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa was pulled out of the Italy squad(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa has pulled out of the Italy squad just days after his first call-up in nearly two years.

The former Juventus man was selected by Gennaro Gattuso for the World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland on Thursday, and a possible follow-up game with Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place at next summer’s tournament.

However, after meeting with the Italy squad, a decision has been made that Chiesa is unavailable to feature for the Azzurri. The winger has made just five starts all season for Liverpool, with only one coming in the Premier League, and his physical capabilities have limited his playing time since joining the club.

“Federico Chiesa was assessed on arrival at the Federal Technical Centre and deemed unavailable for the next two matches,” the Italian FA said via a statement.

“In agreement with his club, he has left the squad. Bologna winger Nicolò Cambiaghi has been called up as his replacement.”

Cheisa admitted earlier this year that he struggled with the physical jump from Serie A, and previously told Gattuso he did not want to be included in the Italy squad until he was “100 percent”.

Chiesa has pulled out of the Italy squad

“I must respect what the player tells me,” the Italy coach said in November. “I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has.”

Chiesa has not played for the Italian national team since he joined Liverpool, and his last games for his country came at Euro 2024.

The 28-year-old has earned 51 senior caps for Italy and was a regular in the squad from his debut in 2018 to 2024.

Chiesa was a regular for Italy between 2018 and 2024(Image: Getty)

He played a significant role in the Azzurri’s Euro 2020 victory, with Chiesa playing all seven games and scoring in two knockout victories.

Meanwhile, Italy will look to secure its spot at a first World Cup since 2014, when it faces Northern Ireland, who last week selected Liverpool youngster Kieran Morrison for his maiden senior international call-up.

Italy finished second in qualifying behind Norway, with Gattuso replacing Luciano Spalletti during the campaign.

Premier League stars Gianluigi Donnarumma, Riccardo Calafiori, and Sandro Tonali have also been named in the Italy squad for the upcoming play-off matches.