Italy coach gives Federico Chiesa update as Liverpool problem clear — 'It's useless'

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Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has dropped out of the Italy squad, with head coach Gennaro Gattuso expanding on the official statement that was released on Monday

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has pulled out of Italy's squad(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Federico Chiesa has returned to Liverpool before the week of training has even begun for Italy, with Gennaru Gattuso explaining the 28-year-old's absence during a press conference.

The Italian FA confirmed in a statement earlier in the week that Chiesa had been assessed and deemed unfit to take part in Italy's World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland, with a game against Wales or Bosnia potentially next.

And head coach Gattuso was also asked about the situation during a press conference after Liverpool ace Chiesa had been called up to represent his country for the first time since Euro 2024.

"All players are different," Gattuso explained. "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 for Liverpool this season, but only five of those have been starts, and only one of those starts has come in either the Premier League or the Champions League.

Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has struggled to make an impact at Anfield(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Since arriving from Juventus, he has struggled for fitness under Arne Slot and has never been able to tie down a regular place in the team.

"Federico Chiesa was assessed on arrival at the Federal Technical Centre and deemed unavailable for the next two matches," the Italian FA's statement read.

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

Chiesa has previously rejected the chance to link up with Italy because he only wanted to do so when he is at "100 percent" fitness, but that has not been the case for some time.

"I must respect what the player tells me," Gattuso explained in November. "I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has."

While Chiesa will not be involved, Premier League stars including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Riccardo Calafiori and Sandro Tonali will represent Italy in its fixtures this week.

Liverpool.com says: Chiesa has not been able to get up to speed at Anfield and he still looks a long way off being able to start a couple of games on the spin. As an impact substitute, he can be useful, but Italy has seemingly decided he isn't even ready for that.