Liverpool star refused international call-up as boss hints at 'problems'

Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has disclosed that Federico Chiesa opted to reject a call-up for this month's World Cup qualifiers. The Azzurri will face Moldova and Norway as they attempt to secure their return to the tournament proper for the first time since 2014.

Chiesa has been absent from international duty since the European Championships in 2024, where Italy were eliminated in the round of 16. Despite enjoying an encouraging start to the campaign, Gattuso was keen to include the winger in his squad. However, that request was declined, with the 47-year-old suggesting Chiesa is grappling with certain "problems."

During his press conference, Gattuso acknowledged Chiesa's absence, explaining: "I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has.

"We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can't say anything else."

When pressed on whose choice it was, Gattuso indicated this was not Chiesa's first rejection of international duty.

"Yes, it's already the fourth or fifth time that I'm explaining this," he continued.

Chiesa had previously withdrawn from Italy consideration in September, citing he was not feeling "100% per cent."

"The Chiesa issue is very simple," Gattuso remarked at the time. "I talk to my players a lot, and I want to make that clear, a lot.

"I speak every week with Fede and he knows what I think of him, but I also have to respect what the player tells me.

"He does not feel at 100% and wants to be at 100 per cent, that is the truth."

Chiesa will stay with Liverpool to carry on training.

This season, he has made eight Premier League appearances and played twice in the Champions League, although he has yet to start a match under Arne Slot.