LIVERPOOL STAR FEDERICO CHIESA TURNS DOWN INTERNATIONAL DUTY AHEAD OF WORLD CUP 2026

Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso is disappointed as Federico Chiesa rejects another national team call-up. The Liverpool winger hasn't played for the Azzurri in over 18 months, despite Gattuso's efforts to recall him.

Liverpool star Federico Chiesa turns down international duty ahead of World Cup 2026
Liverpool star says no to international call before 2026 World Cup - Photo Credit: Getty Images

After revealing that Federico Chiesa once again turned down an invitation to join the Italy team for the November internationals, Gennaro Gattuso has made no secret of his disappointment. Despite Gattuso's repeated attempts to reintegrate him into the team, the Liverpool forward, who is still looking for rhythm at the club level, is still not playing for the Azzurri.

The Continuous Absence of Chiesa from Italy Duty


The 28-year-old rejected the most recent invitation to play in World Cup qualifying matches against Moldova and Norway, according to the Italy manager. Since the 2-0 loss to Switzerland at the European Championships over eighteen months ago, just before he joined Liverpool, Chiesa has not played for his nation.

Gattuso clarified that the player had the final say and that their communication remained polite and consistent. "I often chat to him," he stated, as reported by Mail Sport. The choices and issues that each of us faces must be respected. I have to respect what the player tells me, and we are very aware of what we tell one another. I am at a loss for words. "Yes, it is now the fourth or fifth time that I am saying this," he continued when questioned further.

Chiesa's ongoing absence is turning into a noteworthy storyline in Italy because of his background and the necessity for attacking depth on the national team.


Italy Questions, Liverpool Minutes


It is an interesting position from Liverpool's perspective. According to Transfermarkt, the Italian forward has played more under Arne Slot than he did during his rookie campaign, although he has only made two Carabao Cup starts and accrued 344 minutes of action overall.

Inevitably, his inconsistent starts have led to conjecture in Italy. According to reports, Napoli is keeping an eye on his circumstances and would think about bringing him back to Serie A. Such rumours do not seem out of place, especially given Chiesa's unclear future with the national team and his age, where playing time is vital.

It is crucial to remember that he has not given a thorough public explanation for his decision to turn down the contact. It is best to refrain from passing judgment until his physical and personal conditions are clear. According to Gattuso's remarks, the player has his justifications, and the Italy staff is aware of the whole situation.

Maintaining Chiesa's fitness, engagement, and readiness to contribute is Liverpool's top objective. The club has praised his work ethic and dedication despite his limited playing time. He provides a distinct attacking profile that can be useful as the season goes on, provided he stays healthy and committed.

MOHAMED SALAH SET TO LEAVE LIVERPOOL: FENERBAHCE PREPARE STUNNING THREE-YEAR CONTRACT OFFER

After a decade at Anfield, Mohamed Salah's next move is the talk of football. Will he join Messi or stay in European leagues?

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Salah Rejects Saudi Millions - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mohamed Salah looks set to leave Liverpool this summer, and it sounds like he wants to stay in Europe. One of the hottest rumours right now is about Fenerbahçe; they’re ready to offer him a three-year deal worth around £52 million. That’s a huge pay packet, but probably not as big as what he’d get in Saudi Arabia.

Salah’s been on Merseyside for almost a decade, and it’s hard to overstate just how much he’s done for Liverpool. Since joining in 2017 with Jurgen Klopp in charge, he’s picked up two Premier League titles, a Champions League medal, an FA Cup, and two League Cups. Pretty impressive, honestly. But this season hasn’t gone his way, and new boss Arne Slot dropped him for a few games after his form dipped. When Salah announced in March that he’d be leaving, people started up with transfer rumours right away.

In recent years, clubs from the Saudi Pro League have shown considerable interest. Last year, Al Ittihad went as far as slapping a £150 million offer on the table, but Liverpool turned it down.

Now the story goes that Salah wants to stay in Europe even though he’d pocket way more in Saudi Arabia. Reports out of Egypt claim Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho’s old club, have already sat down with Salah’s agent. They apparently laid out their big plans, offering £17.3 million a year with a three-year contract, and they want to build the team around him to end their league title drought stretching back to 2014.

There’s also talk of Real Madrid getting involved. Still, their transfer policy usually steers clear of handing massive contracts to players pushing the end of their careers, even superstars like Salah. Clubs in Italy, like Roma, Juventus, and Inter Milan, are keeping tabs on him too. And just to make things more interesting, someone floated the idea of Salah joining up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in the MLS, though the league's salary cap throws a wrench into that.

At this point, everybody’s watching Salah’s next move; the only certainty is that he won’t be short of offers when he finally says goodbye to Liverpool.

WHY IS LIVERPOOL HESITATING TO HIRE XABI ALONSO DESPITE OVERWHELMING FAN SUPPORT?

Liverpool has contacted Real Madrid to investigate Xabi Alonso’s tenure, as pressure grows on current manager Arne Slot at Anfield.

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Liverpool Seek "Inside Scoop" From Madrid On Alonso’s Sacking Background - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Liverpool have reached out to Real Madrid to ask about Xabi Alonso, but honestly, there’s some debate going on behind the scenes. People have been talking about Alonso stepping in at Anfield, especially since Arne Slot’s season hasn’t gone over well. Fans let out some boos after that 1-1 draw with Chelsea, and the mood is pretty tense. Even though Slot led Liverpool to a league title last year, quite a few supporters seem fed up with him and would rather see Alonso take charge.

But Spanish outlet AS says Liverpool have contacted Real Madrid to get the inside scoop on what happened during Alonso’s time at the club. It sounds like the decision-makers at Liverpool are starting to feel unsure about him, and they might actually stick with Slot for another season.

Alonso landed the Real Madrid job last summer after doing wonders at Bayer Leverkusen. Still, just six months in, Madrid let him go, reportedly because the locker room was falling apart. Liverpool’s relationship with Real Madrid is strong, and they apparently want some honest feedback – kind of like asking for a reference from a past employer, which isn’t unusual.

Liverpool’s spot in next year’s Champions League is almost locked in, but with two games left, it’s not guaranteed yet. When asked about the boos, Slot admitted he has some work to do to win fans over.

He said, “Not this season. Fans won’t change their minds now. But if we get the summer we’re planning, I’m convinced we’ll be a different team next season. Results, style, everything. It’s not always easy, though. Sometimes you know what needs fixing, but getting what you want isn’t so simple. This season, it’s been pretty clear what we’re missing. We’re trying to solve it, but one issue is simply having enough fit players. Still, our guys show every week in the second half that they’re giving everything they’ve got.”

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