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While the refusal to attend international duty for Italy raised eyebrows, the situation for Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa is very different to Inter’s Francesco Acerbi.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso confirmed in his press conference yesterday that he would again gladly have brought Chiesa back into the fold, but that he “must respect what the player tells me.”
The 28-year-old has not represented the Azzurri since the ill-fated EURO 2024 tournament, despite contributing two goals and three assists in 12 competitive appearances for Liverpool this season.
The last time a player turned down the call-up for Italy was when Acerbi said no to Luciano Spalletti going into the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Norway.
It caused a rift and a great deal of controversy, but this is a very different situation.
Acerbi rejected the call of the Nazionale because he felt disrespected as a veteran defender asked to plug the gap for just two games amid an injury crisis, being told there was no future for him in Spalletti’s vision.
On the other hand, Chiesa has explained to Gattuso that he wants to return for his country only when he is back to full fitness and can give a genuine contribution.
Otherwise, he is taking up room that could be given to a player in better form.
FIFA World Cup
