The Azzurri boss claimed last month that the Liverpool striker admitted he was not ‘100%’ during the October international window and insisted that a regular dialogue has been maintained between the two men.
The 28-year-old has not played for his country since joining the Reds at the end of the 2024 summer transfer window. his most recent cap almost 18 months ago at the European Championships, when the then holders lost 2-0 to Switzerland.
Gattuso explains Chiesa’s absence from the Italian squad
Chiesa was notable for his absence from the Italian team announced on Sundayalthough Gattuso had wanted to include the LFC striker for their World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway.
The former AC Milan midfielder said this (via Mailsport): “I talk to him often. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has. We know well what we tell each other, and I have to respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else.”
When asked to clarify whether it was the player’s decision to reject the call, the 47-year-old replied: “Yes, it’s already the fourth or fifth time I’ve explained this.”
Chiesa’s Italian criticism seems a bit surprising
We have to admit we’re a little surprised to hear that Chiesa turned down Gattuso’s call considering he hasn’t had much action at Liverpool.
The forward is being used more often this season than last, although his only two starts have come in the Carabao Cup and his total playing time stands at 344 minutes (Transfer market).
Speculation over his future has rarely been far away, with reports from Italy in recent days that Napoli are keen to bring the 28-year-old back to Serie A in the coming months.
Without knowing the full reasons why Chiesa turned down Gattuso’s call-up – or so the Azzurri head coach has suggested – we’re not going to criticize the player for seemingly turning down the chance to add to his 51 caps.
From a Liverpool perspective, we will be happy as long as he is fit and available for his club and – as he has always done since coming to Anfield – gives everything in a red shirt, with hopefully a few more goals over the course of the season.
You can watch Slot’s full post-Man City press conference via Kingdom of the Head on YouTube:
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