Chiesa Returns to the National Team: Gattuso's Choice for the World Cup Play-Offs and Why He's Been Absent for Two Years
The final years of the relationship between the winger and the national team. Federico Chiesa returns to the national team after two years and is set to play crucial fixtures in the World Cup play-offs. Learn about his absence, reasons behind his hiatus, and his current status at Liverpool.
The final years of the relationship between the winger and the national team.Where were we? Federico Chiesa returns to the national team after two years, and he does so for two must-win fixtures: his name features on Gattuso’s squad list for the double-header against Northern Ireland and, should the first match go well, against Wales or Bosnia andHerzegovina in the World Cup play-off final. The Liverpool winger hasn’t pulled on the Azzurri shirt since 2024.Called upon to replace the injured Zaccagni, the manager opted for Enrico’s son over the other candidates: Zaniolo, Bernardeschi, Orsolini, Berardi and Maldini. His last appearance for the national team, as mentioned, dates back to 29 June 2024, in that round of 16 match against Switzerland which saw Spalletti’s side eliminated from the European Championship. That was his 51st appearance (he has scored 7 goals and provided 8 assists for Italy) before a long hiatus, due to injuries and choices made by the 28-year-old himself.Ever since his first press conferences, Federico Chiesa has consistently been the focus of questions put to the manager and his subsequent explanations as to why one of the standout players from the successful 2021 European campaign was no longer being called up. Both before the October fixtures and those in November, the manager had revealed that he had left him out due to a decision by the player himself who, although having recovered from injury, did not yet feel physically at his best and had decided to withdraw from the national team.But, after a mixed start, how is Chiesa’s second season at Liverpool going? The stats show 31 appearances, 3 goals and 3 assists in just over 600 minutes in total, averaging 21 minutes per game. The Italian has started just once, back in September, and is still not enjoying Klopp’s trust this season.Despite a few minor muscle niggles, however, he has not suffered any major injuries this year and his current physical condition allows him to respond to Gattuso’s call-up for the two most important matches.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Federico Chiesa: Absence and Return
Federico Chiesa makes a long-awaited return to the Italian national team after a two-year absence. Gattuso has included him in the squad for the crucial World Cup play-off matches against Northern Ireland and potentially Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Chiesa's last appearance for the Azzurri was back in 2024, and his selection over other candidates like Zaniolo and Bernardeschi signifies the trust Gattuso has in him.
Chiesa's International Hiatus
Chiesa's absence from the national team was a result of a combination of injuries and personal decisions. Despite being a key player in Italy's successful 2021 European campaign, he chose to withdraw from national team duties due to not feeling physically at his best. This led to his exclusion from the squad in previous fixtures under Gattuso's management.
Chiesa's Season at Liverpool
Chiesa's second season at Liverpool has been a mixed bag. With limited game time and sporadic starts, he has contributed 3 goals and 3 assists in over 600 minutes of play. Although facing challenges to earn Klopp's trust, he has managed to stay relatively injury-free this season and is now fit to represent Italy in the crucial upcoming matches.
Looking Ahead
As Chiesa gears up to make his return to the national team, fans eagerly anticipate his impact in the World Cup play-offs. With his experience and talent, Chiesa could play a crucial role in Italy's quest for World Cup qualification. Stay tuned for updates on Chiesa's performance and the outcome of the play-off matches.
