Video: Italy’s Chiesa becomes surprise Liverpool hero with 4-2 winner | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa went from outcast to hero at Liverpool tonight, coming off the bench to score a late winner over Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The Italy international had been widely expected to leave this summer after barely setting foot on the pitch in his debut season.

Many were also surprised when he was picked by Arne Slot to come on as a substitute with Liverpool having fumbled a 2-0 lead.

Chiesa from zero to hero for Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides 4th goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Accrington Stanley at Anfield on January 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

However, Chiesa proved decisive by volleying in the rebound from a parried effort to send the Anfield crowd wild and restoring Liverpool’s 3-2 lead at the 88th minute.

He was able to celebrate with fellow Italian Giovanni Leoni watching on from the stands, the defender having just completed his transfer from Parma for €35m plus a 10 per cent cut of the future sale fee.

Despite his lack of playing time, Chiesa now has three goals and two assists for Liverpool in 15 competitive games.

It had already been reported that Slot was eager to keep the former Juventus and Fiorentina star this season, so this goal could well further stall any potential return to Serie A.

The game wasn’t over, as Mo Salah bent a fourth into the far bottom corner deep into stoppages for 4-2.