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.

ALISSON "OPEN" TO LIVERPOOL EXIT AS JUVENTUS PREPARE MASSIVE SWAP DEAL OFFER

With Alisson Becker open to a Juventus move, Liverpool is scouring the market for a replacement ahead of a major summer rebuild.

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Juventus offer Alisson Becker a contract until 2028 - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Liverpool isn’t just sitting around; it’s actively searching for someone to take Alisson Becker’s spot since Juventus looks serious about making a bid for their veteran keeper. Even though Alisson’s got a year left on his deal after the club triggered an extension back in March, he might leave this summer.

He’s been Liverpool’s go-to guy in goal since he arrived from Roma in 2018; he’s played 332 games, cost £67 million, and for years, he was untouchable. But injuries have piled up during the 2025/26 season, and it’s starting to look like his time at Anfield could be coming to an end.

Juventus are now right in the mix. Apparently, Alisson isn’t against the idea of leaving Liverpool, and Juventus could even throw their own goalkeeper, Michele Di Gregorio, into the deal for the Brazilian.

Juve are ready to offer Alisson a contract running through the summer of 2028, with an extra year as an option. Sky Sports says Liverpool already knows what’s happening and is getting their ducks in a row before a massive transfer window.

The club’s facing a big summer. Salah and Robertson are going, and now they might need a new keeper too. Giorgi Mamardashvili has stepped up when Alisson was out, playing 18 games across all competitions, but he’s injured himself, leaving Slot with just Freddie Woodman as his only fit option.

Recently, Slot was asked if losing Alisson at the same time as Robertson and Salah would be too much. He said, “The club makes decisions it thinks are right. If this happens, there's a reason behind it, maybe another good reason why we did what we did.”

He pointed out that Liverpool doesn’t make transfers on a whim. Decisions are thought through, with the club’s interests always at heart.

Regarding keeping Alisson for his experience, Slot admitted that’s one argument, but there are others and, ultimately, the club will decide what’s best. Alisson’s contract still has a year left.

When pressed about Juventus, Slot replied, “Ali’s main focus is clear; he wants to get back in goal for Liverpool as soon as possible and then play for Brazil. That’s his short- and mid-term future.”

LIVERPOOL WARNED TO OFFER CURTIS JONES NEW CONTRACT BEFORE 14-MONTH DEADLINE

Analysis: Curtis Jones’ elite passing stats and why Jermaine Pennant believes Liverpool cannot afford to lose the versatile midfielder.

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Several European clubs are monitoring Curtis Jones as contract uncertainty grows at Anfield - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Liverpool really needs to sort out a new contract for Curtis Jones before they make the same mistake it did with Luis Diaz. That’s what the Inside Liverpool panel thinks, especially now that Diaz is lighting up Bayern Munich and making Liverpool’s transfer moves look pretty questionable.

Bayern’s front three, with Diaz in the mix, have racked up 100 goals across all competitions this season – the first time any non-Spanish team has done that. Diaz himself has bagged 26 goals in 46 matches and just scored against PSG in the Champions League semi-final.

Looking back, Liverpool probably wish they hadn’t let Diaz walk for £65 million last summer. Since then, fans at Anfield haven’t seen anyone who brings what he did: that relentless pressing, always looming as a threat on the counter. Sure, they’ve brought in Rio Ngumoha, a teenager, just 17, but Arne Slot, the coach, knows you can’t just expect him to fill those shoes right away.

On talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool, Jermaine Pennant, who has played for the club, said that Liverpool has to bring in another proven attacker over the summer. Pennant’s point: Diaz was great whether he played in the middle or on the left, and Liverpool needs someone with that kind of flexibility. You don’t want to sign a backup like Hugo Ekitike and then end up overcrowding with too many strikers when the main guy returns.

Now, Jones could end up in the same boat this summer. There’s a lot of uncertainty around his future, and when you look at the numbers, he’s only got 14 months left on his contract. Several clubs in England and Europe are watching, and he’s only started 15 games for Liverpool this season.

Even though he hasn’t played much, Jones is impressing; he’s second only to Rodri in midfielder passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He’s also ranked second behind Moises Caicedo for passing accuracy, and right behind Rayan Cherki for carries. Pennant said the club can’t afford to let him go: Jones is so versatile; you can play him anywhere in midfield or even right back. He knows the club, loves it, and helps connect the squad.

Jones has been one of the top performers recently. Pennant thinks Liverpool should offer him a new deal, especially since the squad is thinning out and they’ve already lost Trent Alexander-Arnold. In the end, it’s up to Jones if he wants to stay or move for more game time, but Liverpool has to make the offer while they still can.

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