Italy Boss Gattuso Sends Firm Message to Federico Chiesa over Liverpool Future | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Chiesa Faces Defining Summer After Gattuso’s Clear Warning

Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool career remains delicately poised just 11 months after his arrival at Anfield. The 27-year-old forward, whose move from Juventus last summer generated real excitement, has since struggled to make an impact under Arne Slot. His lack of minutes, compounded by injuries, has left him in international limbo, having not featured for Italy since their dismal Euro 2024 exit to Switzerland.

In total, Chiesa played just 466 minutes for Liverpool last season. That lack of involvement has now drawn direct scrutiny from new Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso, who has made it clear that regular game time is a prerequisite for national team selection.

Gattuso Sends Firm Message

Gattuso, barely a week into his tenure as Italy’s manager, has not wasted time outlining expectations. Speaking via Fabrizio Romano on X, the 47-year-old laid down the challenge to Chiesa in unmistakable terms: “Chiesa must play more, it’s important. Our doors are always open but we want Fede to play on regular basis.”

Photo: IMAGO

This public message is not just about one player. Gattuso, known for his hard-line style as both player and coach, is trying to set a tone. He wants commitment, consistency and availability. For Chiesa, it means decisions must be made quickly if he wants to avoid missing out on next summer’s World Cup — assuming Italy qualify.

Napoli and Serie A Options Tempt Forward

Reports suggest Chiesa is already contemplating a return to Serie A, with Napoli, Fiorentina and AC Milan all interested. Empire of the Kop recently revealed the forward’s openness to a move back to Italy, which would enhance his visibility to Gattuso and likely increase his playing time.

His situation is not unlike that of former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who left Merseyside for Brentford in search of a starting role — a move encouraged by his national team manager. For Chiesa, the logic is the same. At 27, with injury issues having slowed his momentum, he cannot afford another season as a peripheral figure.

Slot’s Plans and Pre-Season Clues

Arne Slot, fresh off a Premier League title win in his debut season, will assess Chiesa in the upcoming Community Shield and Liverpool’s early Premier League fixtures. Those matches could determine whether the Italian is viewed as part of Slot’s plans or merely a rotation option.

Chiesa’s versatility is valuable, but if he cannot break into a starting front three that includes the likes of Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo, a move may be inevitable. With the player reportedly eager to cement his place in Italy’s World Cup squad, staying at Anfield without guaranteed minutes could prove costly.

Chiesa’s Crucial Crossroads

Federico Chiesa’s talent is not in question. What’s at stake is how and where he can best express it. Gattuso’s words were less an ultimatum and more a call to action. If Chiesa wants to be more than a footnote in Italy’s rebuild, then his next step, whether it’s fighting for a place at Liverpool or returning to Serie A, must be taken decisively.

As the summer unfolds and pre-season begins, Liverpool supporters will hope to see the player who thrilled in Euro 2020 rather than a fringe figure battling form and fitness. Time, however, is no longer on his side.