Why Italy dropped Chiesa and called 3 debutants, including Leoni

Gennaro Gattuso reveals Federico Chiesa ‘didn’t feel ready’ for his Italy comeback, but debutants Giovanni Leoni, Francesco Pio Esposito and Giovanni Fabbian have ‘qualities that can fit into this group.’

Italy coach Gattuso held the first press conference during the September break, during which the Azzurri will meet Estonia and Israel.

Football Italia was among the accredited media at Coverciano today.

Gattuso confirmed that captain Gigio Donnarumma would undergo medical tests in Florence today ahead of a permanent move to Manchester City.

Gattuso has called up three debutants for the next two international games: Fabbian (Bologna), Pio Esposito (Inter) and Leoni (Liverpool).

Chiesa was not called up by Italy by mutual agreement

Chiesa, on the other hand, did not join the Azzurri, remaining in Liverpool despite scoring a crucial goal on the Reds’ Premier League debut last month.

“I spoke with Chiesa, and we made the decision together,” Gattuso said.

“He didn’t feel ready to come back because he wanted to be at 100%. We decided it calmly together. Raspadori has played 10–20 minutes in the first matches, but it’s difficult to find players with similar characteristics, and Raspadori can give me something different.”

The ex-Napoli striker has joined Atletico Madrid this summer.

What Italy coach Gattuso said about Italy debutants

Talking about the three Azzurri debutants, Gattuso said: “When I see a player, I must be impressed by the personality. I think these young players already possess the ability to play like experienced players.

“I saw Leoni play on an open field against Lukaku last season. They are ready. Perhaps, at their age, we didn’t have the audacity they have, and I want to reward them for this aspect. Then, of course, quality is the foundation of everything.

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