Rino Gattuso, the head coach of the Italian national football team, has recently clarified the notable absence of Federico Chiesa from his initial call-up list. Addressing the media on September 1, Gattuso stated, “It was a shared decision; I spoke with Fede, and he told me he didn’t feel ready.” This sentiment was echoed during their subsequent interactions, with Gattuso highlighting in early October that Chiesa was still not at 100% and needed to resolve personal issues before rejoining the national squad.
Over the past few weeks, the communication between Gattuso and Chiesa has continued, with the coach emphasizing the importance of respecting the player’s wishes. Gattuso humorously remarked, “Is it his choice? Yes, it’s easy to read; otherwise, I wouldn’t be here explaining it again.” Chiesa’s decision not to represent Italy is rooted in his limited playing time with Liverpool, where he accumulated only fleeting appearances in the previous season, leading to Gattuso’s informed decision to keep him out of the squad.
As Chiesa’s situation unfolds, he has seen a gradual improvement in his performance with Liverpool, where he has recently featured more frequently including significant contributions in a League Cup match. By October, having played five matches and scored in Premier League appearances, he was even named the fans’ player of the month at Liverpool. Still, Gattuso remains committed to respecting the player’s self-evaluation, which recalls similar past situations where players’ availability was subject to their personal readiness.
Looking ahead, the Italian Football Federation (Figc) and the league are considering holding a mini-camp for the team on February 9-10, which could serve as an opportune moment for Chiesa to integrate back into the national fold. However, as Italy gears up for crucial playoff matches in March, the stakes are high. If Chiesa continues to decline participation, it could disrupt team dynamics as they aim for qualification to the World Cup following a long hiatus. Gattuso understands these complexities, and it is clear he is approaching the situation calmly, knowing that Chiesa’s commitment is pivotal for the upcoming challenges.
As the Italian squad prepares for a critical phase in international football, fans remain hopeful for Chiesa’s return to form and fitness, which could significantly enhance the team’s prospects on the world stage.