Spalletti gives Chiesa one requirement for Italy national team return | OneFootball

Luciano Spalletti has explained what it will take to see Liverpool and former Juventus forward Federico Chiesa back in the Italy national team set-up, hinting at the necessary ‘levels’ required to play for the Azzurri at the moment.

The Italy national team head coach was a special guest on DAZN’s coverage of the thrilling Derby d’Italia between Inter and Juventus on Sunday evening, where he discussed a number of topics including some of his potential options for his next Nazionale squad in November.

Chiesa has not been called up for national team duty since Italy’s disappointing exit from EURO 2024 at the round of 16 stage. Since then, he was frozen out by Juventus and then eventually ended up at Liverpool, where he is yet to cement himself as a first-team regular.

Italy international Federico Chiesa in training with Liverpool ahead of Champions League League Phase game against Milan.

What Chiesa needs to do to return to Italy squad

When asked if there is still room for Chiesa in the Italy squad, Spalletti said that it would require him to perform at the correct level.

“Previously we’ve started with different options, but we’ve relied on individual talent a bit more recently, on players who have the ability to make 70-metre runs,” Spalletti said.

“Obviously, these specialist players have to do it at a level that suits our team, if they do it below that level, it becomes a bit more difficult.”

At present, Chiesa has played just 78 minutes in a Liverpool shirt, across the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup. There has been an ninjury over the last few weeks, but Chiesa will need to start playing consistently if he is to return to the national team fold.

Spalletti is pleased, however, that he and several of his international teammates have decided to go and play abroad.

“It’s always right to go and gain experience abroad. The young players who come out of the Primavera teams, for example, should push themselves to go and lay abroad. I’m thinking about Calafiori, Donnarumma, it’s something that everyone should do in my opinion.”