Federico Chiesa has been sidelined due to injury, missing crucial matches for Italy. His recent performance with Liverpool raises questions about his future.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying playoffs approach, Federico Chiesa, a key player for Italy, finds himself in a challenging situation. Just before the crucial matches, Chiesa was dropped from the national team due to injury concerns.
Chiesa, who is currently 28 years old, last represented Italy at Euro 2024, where he was a standout performer. His contributions to the national team have been significant, particularly during Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph. However, his repeated withdrawals from the national team have become a recurring storyline.
In the current season with Liverpool, Chiesa has made a notable impact, contributing two goals and three assists. His performance at the club level has raised expectations for his return to the national squad.
On March 23, 2026, Chiesa was recalled by Italy for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland. However, upon arrival at the Federal Technical Centre, his condition was assessed, and he was deemed unavailable for the next two matches. In agreement with Liverpool, he left the national team’s training camp.
Nicolo Cambiaghi has been called up to replace Chiesa in the Italy squad, highlighting the urgency for Italy as they prepare for the playoffs. Coach Gattuso has expressed his ongoing communication with Chiesa, emphasizing that the issue lies with the player’s health rather than the coaching staff.
“You know it well. You know Chiesa’s problem. You always ask me the same thing. I call Chiesa in every call-up; I always talk to him. The problem is not Gattuso or his staff; he has a problem, not us,” Gattuso stated, reflecting the frustration surrounding Chiesa’s fitness.
Chiesa’s absence from the national team is particularly concerning as Italy aims to secure a spot in the World Cup. His last appearance for the national team was at Euro 2024, and the uncertainty surrounding his injury raises questions about his future involvement.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific injury that led to Chiesa’s withdrawal. Furthermore, it remains unclear what factors allowed him to accept the call-up initially, only to withdraw shortly thereafter.
As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this impacts both Chiesa’s career and Italy’s chances in the World Cup qualifying rounds.
