Federico Chiesa Eyes Italy Return Amid Napoli Interest Despite Liverpool Stay

Federico Chiesa’s journey at Liverpool may soon come to an end. Despite sharing a harmonious relationship with teammates and management at Anfield, the Italian winger is determined to secure regular football elsewhere next season.

After enduring a frustrating, injury-hit campaign on Merseyside, Chiesa’s sights are firmly set on a return to Serie A, with reigning champions Napoli already making preliminary contact. His motivation is clear—more minutes on the pitch and a route back into Luciano Spalletti’s Italy plans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Napoli Initiate Talks Amid Serie A Reinforcement Plans

With Antonio Conte now at the helm, Napoli are determined to bolster their attacking lineup. According to SportItalia, the Serie A champions have outlined Chiesa as one of their primary targets in the transfer window. Conte reportedly seeks two dynamic wide players for his revamped tactical blueprint.

Their interest in Chiesa coincides with significant changes at the club. Belgian winger Cyril Ngonge could be heading for the exit door, while Swiss attacker Noah Okafor has already returned to AC Milan following the conclusion of his loan spell. In preparation for a challenging domestic and European campaign, Napoli are assembling fresh firepower—having already sealed a headline-grabbing move for Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer.

Limited Opportunities Force Chiesa to Seek Change

Chiesa’s move from Juventus to Liverpool in the summer of 2024 was meant to rejuvenate his career, but fate had different plans. Plagued by persistent injury setbacks, the Italian international could only muster 104 minutes of Premier League action throughout the entire season. Liverpool may have lifted the domestic league title, but for Chiesa personally, it was a campaign of missed opportunities.

“Federico Chiesa’s desire remains to leave Liverpool and play on regular basis next season, despite his excellent relationship with everyone at the club,” reported SportItalia. While the player respects Liverpool’s decision-makers and dressing-room harmony, his overriding priority is clear—consistent playing time.

Competition Brewing: Real Betis and Milan Join the Race

While Napoli are currently leading the race, they are not the only ones monitoring Chiesa’s availability. AC Milan, familiar with Chiesa’s qualities from his Juventus days, have also explored a potential move. Real Betis from La Liga are another suitor, reportedly expressing interest in bringing the Italian to Spain in search of regular minutes.

Napoli’s advantage, however, lies in familiarity and opportunity. A return to Serie A, under a coach like Conte, combined with Champions League football, makes the Naples club a compelling destination.

Road to Redemption: 2026 World Cup in Focus

At 27, Chiesa knows that the next two years could define his international future. Once an indispensable part of Italy’s attacking setup—remembered for his heroics at UEFA Euro 2020—the winger has seen his national team appearances dwindle due to form and fitness issues.

A move back to Serie A, with a chance to regain sharpness and form under an Italian setup, is seen as the ideal route back into Gennaro Gattuso’s plans. The ambition is simple: to don the Azzurri shirt at the 2026 World Cup with pride and purpose.

Read More: WTC 2025 Final Day 4 Match Report: Markram’s Magnificent Masterclass Ends South Africa’s 27-Year Wait for ICC Glory

FAQs