Federico Chiesa withdraws from Italy squad for World Cup qualifiers
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has refused to join Italy for their crucial World Cup qualifying matches, with Gennaro Gattuso revealing the player cited personal “problems” as the reason for his withdrawal, reports BritPanorama.
The Azzurri boss confirmed during Monday’s press conference that the 27-year-old had turned down the opportunity to represent his country in the upcoming fixtures against Moldova and Norway.
Gattuso, a key player in Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory, told reporters: “I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has. We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else.”
When pressed by journalists to clarify whether the decision originated from Chiesa, Gattuso responded: “Yes. It’s already the fourth or fifth time that I’m explaining this.”
Italy currently sit in the play-off position in Group I, trailing Norway by three points with an inferior goal difference of +10 compared to their rivals’ +26. To maintain any chance at automatic qualification, Italy must secure victories in both qualifiers while hoping Norway drop points against Estonia.
Chiesa’s absence leaves Italy without a key attacking option as they attempt to reach their first World Cup since 2014. The Liverpool forward joined his team in playtime recently, appearing as an 83rd-minute substitute in the 3-0 loss to Manchester City, leading to frustrations among supporters regarding manager Arne Slot’s decision to withhold his use.
Despite limited playing time, Chiesa has made eight Premier League appearances this campaign, contributing two goals and three assists entirely from the bench. The former Juventus player collected Liverpool’s Player of the Month award for September, expressing to Sky Sports: “Every time I play, I try to give my best. I think I show it. I’m happy.”
This withdrawal marks another occasion of Chiesa’s unavailability for international duty, with his last appearance for Italy coming in October 2024. He previously declined selection in September for matches against Belgium and Israel, with Gattuso noting at the time that Chiesa “does not feel at 100 per cent and wants to be at 100 per cent, that is the truth.”
His international career has stalled since helping Italy win the European Championship in 2021, with injuries and inconsistent form limiting his involvement. Italy has navigated a turbulent period, marked by their triumphant victory at the Euros juxtaposed with failing to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Under former coach Roberto Mancini, Italy set a world record for the most consecutive matches without defeat, boasting a 37-game unbeaten streak from October 2018 to October 2021.
As Chiesa continues to grapple with his circumstances, the repercussions extend to a national team that has experienced both highs and lows, reminding fans how the path to success can be fraught with personal and professional challenges.
