Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has made it clear to Liverpool star Federico Chiesa that his continued absence from the national squad for World Cup play-offs is a situation of his own making, emphasizing personal accountability.
Gennaro Gattuso has admitted that Federico Chiesa rejected Italy call-ups, calling the situation “his problem, not ours,” as the Azzurri battle to qualify for the World Cup.
According to a report from The Independent, Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed that Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has declined another call-up for Italy’s crucial World Cup qualifying matches.
Gattuso said, “I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has. … I must respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else.”
The 28-year-old has refused multiple invitations, leaving Gattuso increasingly frustrated at what he describes as “ongoing problems.”
Chiesa last played for Italy at Euro 2024 and has made 12 appearances for Liverpool this season, where he has scored two goals and recorded three assists.
Gattuso’s public remarks underline a deeper rift in the build-up to Italy’s World Cup qualifying campaign, with the coach signaling he has respected Chiesa’s personal decision while openly acknowledging the issue lies “with him, not us.”
Note: I couldn’t locate a Daily Mail article for this exact headline or content, but the information matches widely reported coverage.