Federico Chiesa Rejects Italy Call-Up Again: Gattuso Respects Star’s Decision

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has once again declined the opportunity to represent Italy during the November international break, marking the fourth or fifth time this season he has rejected a call-up from national team coach Gennaro Gattuso. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, November 10, 2025, the former AC Milan midfielder confirmed that the decision came directly from the player himself, adding cryptically that there are “problems” both men are aware of but cannot publicly discuss.

Gattuso’s Diplomatic Response

The Italy boss addressed the situation with measured words during his pre-match press conference before crucial World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway. When asked about Chiesa’s absence from the squad, Gattuso stated clearly that he must respect the player’s personal circumstances.

When reporters pressed Gattuso to confirm whether the decision originated from Chiesa rather than the coaching staff, his response was telling. The acknowledgment that he has explained this situation four or five times already suggests a pattern that began in September when Chiesa first made himself unavailable for international duty after his summer move to Liverpool.

A Timeline of Repeated Rejections

Chiesa’s refusal to join the Azzurri is not a singular incident but part of an ongoing situation that has developed throughout the season. Each international window has seen the same scenario play out, with Gattuso expressing his desire to call up the talented winger and Chiesa politely declining.

International Break Decisions 2025-26

In September, Gattuso explained that Chiesa told him he wanted to be at full fitness before returning to international duty. The coach said they decided together very calmly that the player needed more time to reach optimal condition. A month later in October, the same scenario repeated itself, with Gattuso noting that he speaks with Chiesa every week and knows what the player is thinking, but must respect his wishes.

The Liverpool Factor

Chiesa’s situation at Liverpool adds important context to his international decisions. The 28-year-old joined the Reds at the end of the summer 2024 transfer window from Juventus in a move that offered him a fresh start after injury struggles. His last appearance for Italy came at Euro 2024, where the Azzurri suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Switzerland that sent them crashing out of the tournament.

Despite not being a regular starter under Arne Slot, Chiesa has made positive contributions when called upon. He has scored two goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances across all competitions this season. Remarkably, Liverpool fans voted him Player of the Month for September despite him not starting a single Premier League game during that period. His impact off the bench and in cup competitions demonstrated his value to the squad.

However, Chiesa’s role at Liverpool remains somewhat uncertain. He was notably left out of the club’s Champions League squad due to homegrown player requirements, a decision that frustrated many observers who felt his quality deserved inclusion. In recent weeks, he played the full match as Liverpool crashed out of the League Cup against Crystal Palace, but has been used sparingly in Premier League fixtures, sometimes not even making the bench.

The Injury Shadow

Chiesa’s career trajectory has been significantly affected by serious injury problems. He suffered a torn ACL in January 2022 that sidelined him for nearly a year, robbing him of crucial development time during what should have been his prime years. The psychological and physical impact of such an injury cannot be understated, particularly for a winger whose game relies on explosive acceleration and directional changes.

His final season at Juventus was marred by fitness concerns and uncertain circumstances surrounding his future at the club. The messy departure from Turin, where he eventually moved to Liverpool for a relatively modest fee given his talent, suggested a player who needed a change of scenery and the opportunity to rebuild his career without the pressure of past expectations.

From this perspective, Chiesa’s decision to decline international duty makes considerable sense. He is prioritizing his fitness and availability for Liverpool, the club paying his wages and offering him the platform to resurrect his career. International breaks, with their travel demands, different training routines, and competitive matches squeezed into short windows, carry inherent injury risks.

What Gattuso Really Means

The repeated use of the word “problems” by Gattuso is particularly interesting. He does not specify whether these are physical problems, mental challenges, family issues, or disagreements about his role within the national team. The careful diplomatic language suggests an understanding between player and coach that goes beyond simple fitness concerns.

Some speculation has centered on whether Chiesa disagrees with tactical decisions or his anticipated role within Gattuso’s system. Others wonder if the psychological scars from Italy’s Euro 2024 disappointment still linger. The tournament represented a chance for Chiesa to shine on the biggest stage, but injuries limited his impact and the team’s early exit compounded the frustration.

Gattuso’s statement that “we know well what we tell each other” implies private conversations where both parties have reached an understanding that doesn’t need to be shared publicly. This suggests mutual respect despite the awkward public situation of Italy’s most talented winger consistently declining to represent his country.

Italy’s Attacking Dilemma

Chiesa’s absence creates a significant gap in Italy’s attacking options, particularly given the crucial nature of their upcoming fixtures. The Azzurri face Moldova on Thursday before a showdown with group leaders Norway on Sunday in Milan. These matches will determine which side qualifies automatically for the 2026 World Cup finals in North America, with the second-placed team facing playoffs.

Without Chiesa, Gattuso must rely on alternatives including Francesco Pio Esposito from Inter Milan, Moise Kean at Fiorentina, Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna, Matteo Politano from Napoli, Giacomo Raspadori at Atletico Madrid, Mateo Retegui with Al Qadsiah, Gianluca Scamacca at Atalanta, and Mattia Zaccagni from Lazio. While talented, none possess Chiesa’s combination of pace, directness, and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations.

Italy’s failure to qualify for the last two World Cups hangs heavy over the program. Missing a third consecutive tournament would represent a catastrophic failure for a nation with such rich footballing heritage. The pressure on Gattuso to deliver qualification is immense, making Chiesa’s repeated absences all the more frustrating for supporters who want to see the best possible squad representing the Azzurri.

Liverpool’s Perspective

From Liverpool’s viewpoint, Chiesa’s decision to skip international duty is welcomed. The club benefits from having him available for training during the break, working with coaches who understand his physical needs and can tailor his development without the competing interests of national team objectives.

Arne Slot faces a congested fixture schedule with Liverpool competing on multiple fronts. Having Chiesa fresh and available rather than exhausted from international travel and competitive matches serves the club’s interests perfectly. The Reds face Nottingham Forest in their next Premier League fixture, and Chiesa’s continued presence at the training ground allows him to integrate further into Slot’s tactical system.

However, some observers have noted that Chiesa could probably benefit from the playing time that international matches would provide. He is not getting loads of minutes for Liverpool, especially now they are out of the League Cup, and match sharpness only comes through regular competitive action. This creates a paradox where avoiding internationals to stay fresh might actually hinder his development due to lack of game time.

The Future of Chiesa’s International Career

The crucial question is whether Chiesa will ever return to the Italy squad or if these repeated rejections signal a de facto international retirement at age 28. With 51 caps already to his name, he has represented his country respectably, but most would agree his international career feels incomplete, particularly given how Euro 2024 ended.

If Italy successfully qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, the allure of competing at football’s biggest tournament might prove too strong to resist. The World Cup represents a different level of prestige compared to qualification matches, and Chiesa may feel more prepared both physically and mentally to contribute by the time that tournament arrives in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Gattuso’s diplomatic handling of the situation suggests he is keeping the door open for Chiesa’s eventual return. Rather than criticizing the player or making definitive statements about his international future, the coach maintains respectful dialogue while building a squad from players fully committed to the current campaign.

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