Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed he left out Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa for the October international break because the player did not feel fully fit.
“The Chiesa issue is very simple,” Gattuso said. “I speak every week with Fede and he knows what I think of him, but I have to respect what the player tells me. He does not feel at 100% and wants to be at 100%; that is the truth.”
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
The 27-year-old has scored key goals under Arne Slot, including a winner against Bournemouth, but has played just 153 minutes across six appearances this season.
Chiesa, who last represented Italy at Euro 2024, was initially left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad before being added to replace the injured Giovanni Leoni.
He will now miss Italy’s World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel but could return for Liverpool clash with Manchester United on October 19.