Gattuso Addresses Chiesa’s Withdrawal Following ‘Unnecessary’ Call-Up

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has stated it was ‘pointless’ to include Federico Chiesa in the national team following a medical check on the Liverpool winger.

Chiesa was selected for the Italian national team for this month’s World Cup play-off matches, with the Azzurri scheduled to face Northern Ireland in the semi-final on Thursday.

However, the 28-year-old has opted out after tests revealed he is not fit to play, marking a challenging time for Chiesa, who hasn’t represented Italy since 2024.

At Liverpool, Chiesa has mostly been a substitute and played as a late substitute in the 2-1 loss to Brighton on Saturday. He has only started two Premier League matches since joining the team in the summer.

Gattuso has now ruled the sidelined player unfit for this month’s important matches.

“There are players that deserved a call, like Zaniolo, Bernardeschi, Fagioli, and Orsolini, but I decided to trust the group I selected,” Gattuso commented.

“Every team faces injuries; I don’t want excuses. We are focused only on the match, not on who could have been included.”

“Chiesa arrived with some physical issues, making it pointless to keep him with us.”

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