Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso reveals that Federico Chiesa has once again decided against playing for the Azzurri: ‘I must respect what the player tells me.’
Liverpool winger Chiesa has decided against playing for the Italy national team during the November break.
The decision from the ex-Juventus star was confirmed by Gattuso during a press conference attended by Football Italia on Monday.
Gattuso ‘must respect’ what Chiesa says
“I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has. We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else.”
Reporters wanted to double-check that the decision came from the player and not Gattuso, and with his reply, Gattuso suggested that it was not the first time Chiesa refused to be called up.
“Yes, it’s already the fourth or fifth time that I’m explaining this,” said the Azzurri boss.
When was the last time that Chiesa played for Italy?
Chiesa has not played for the Italy national team since the 2024 Euros.
The former Juventus star struggled with injuries last season, but he has started the new campaign on a different note with two goals and three assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.
Despite not being a regular starter, Liverpool fans voted Chiesa as the best player for September, yet the 28-year-old hasn’t played for the national team for over a year.
Click here to read Gattuso’s press conference in full.
The rule should be very clear. Any player irrespective of rank, 5eniority, age or ability who refu5es a call up should never play for the national team ever again.
if im guessing, he’s refusing is not that he doesn’t want to play, more that he’s not ready and fit for play, because of his situation at Liverpool
If he wasn’t, by some distance, the best Italian attack and our only hope of winning a play-off final against a decent opponent, I’d be inclined to agree with Rosario!
Are we serious? he should never play again? This is a fascist approach! people go through difficult times and situations which are beyond our right to know. I am sure every player wants to play for the national team, but some circumstances could be detrimental to the player’s future and a responsible and human coach like Gattuso is right to discuss with him.