Mansion Sports - Federico Chiesa has openly acknowledged that he is not yet ready to rejoin the Italian national team. 

New head coach Gennaro Gattuso confirmed that the decision to exclude the Liverpool forward was made mutually after direct discussions between the two.

A Joint Decision Between Gattuso and Chiesa

Chiesa, who recently began his new chapter at Liverpool and scored a dramatic 88th-minute winner against Bournemouth, was left out of Italy’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel.

In his first press conference at Coverciano as Italy’s manager, Gattuso explained that both he and Chiesa agreed it was too soon for the player’s return.

“I spoke with Fede, and it was a joint decision. He feels he is not yet ready to come back—he wants to be at 100%. We made this choice calmly,” Gattuso said.

Chiesa’s International Journey Hampered by Injuries and Inconsistency

Chiesa’s absence highlights Italy’s ongoing challenge in balancing performance, fitness, and tactical cohesion. 

The forward was one of the standout performers at Euro 2020, but his international career since then has been disrupted by injuries and inconsistent form.

Meanwhile, Giacomo Raspadori earned a call-up despite limited minutes at Atletico Madrid. For Gattuso, tactical fit outweighed match sharpness, as Raspadori offers different qualities that add flexibility to Italy’s attacking options.

“It is difficult to find players with the same characteristics. Raspadori can give me something different,” Gattuso explained.

Chiesa’s Focus Remains on Liverpool

For Chiesa, the immediate focus is on Liverpool. With 19 of Arne Slot’s first-team players away on international duty, the forward has a valuable two-week window to build fitness and sharpen his performances at the club’s Kirkby training base.

Gattuso’s Challenge Without One of Italy’s Best Forwards

Italy now face a crucial question: can Gattuso guide the Azzurri through the qualifiers without one of the country’s most gifted attackers?

The coach’s decision reflects patience and caution, resisting the urge to rush Chiesa back before he is fully ready. 

Italy will take on Estonia on September 5 and Israel on September 8, with hopes high that Chiesa will be available for the decisive fixtures that follow.