Overview
- Federico Chiesa turned down selection for this month’s World Cup qualifiers, with Gennaro Gattuso confirming the decision came from the player.
- Gattuso said this is the “fourth or fifth” time he has had to explain the situation and declined to disclose the unspecified issues discussed with Chiesa.
- The 28-year-old will remain at Liverpool to train through the international break rather than join the national-team camp.
- Chiesa has not played for Italy since Euro 2024, despite improved club form this season that includes two goals, three assists and a fan-voted Player of the Month award in September.
- Italy continue their 2026 World Cup qualification push under Gattuso without one of their attacking options after a mid-campaign managerial change.