"Respect the Decision"

Federico Chiesa will not join the Italy squad for the November international break despite another call-up from Gennaro Gattuso, who “respects the decision.”

Chiesa has been in contention for Gattuso’s Italy squad since the start of the season, but the Liverpool forward has consistently turned down his requests.

His focus has remained on building his fitness to ensure he can continue to play a role for Arne Slot‘s side, which so far has seen him feature in 12 out of 18 games this term.

But given his increase in influence at Liverpool it came to the surprise of some that he will not be involved when Italy face Moldova and Norway this week.

In his press conference to explain his 27-man squad for those World Cup qualifiers, Gattuso revealed that Chiesa has declined a call-up.

“I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has,” he told reporters, per Football Italia.

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

Asked if it was Chiesa’s decision not to join his squad, Gattuso replied: “Yes, it’s already the fourth or fifth time that I’m explaining this.”

Chiesa has not played for Italy since Euro 2024

As Gattuso alludes, this is not the first time Chiesa has turned down a place in the Italy squad this season, having also done so in September and October.

Before the first international break of the season, the head coach said: “He didn’t feel ready to come back because he wanted to be at 100 percent.”

A month later, Gattuso explained that “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 percent and wants to be at 100 percent, that is the truth.”

It is an admirable stance from Chiesa, who has lost a significant portion of his recent career following a torn ACL in 2022 and then the circumstances around his move from Juventus to Liverpool.

His reluctance to join up with the Italy squad shows there is no pretence around his commitment to Liverpool, for whom he will hope to play an increased role in the weeks to come.

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