Liverpool star sent home from international duty immediately after arrival

Federico Chiesa’s hopes for playing time with Italy in the March international break are over.

In a statement from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), it was confirmed Chiesa was sent home from the team’s camp in Coverciano, with a replacement already named.

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“Following an assessment of his physical condition upon arrival at the Federal Training Centre, Federico Chiesa has been ruled out of the next two matches and, in agreement with his club, has left the national team’s training camp,” the statement read.

“Bolonga player Nicolo Cambiaghi has been called up to replace him.”

It is a brutal blow for Chiesa, who had been called up to the Italy squad for the first time since 2024.

The 28-year-old’s last appearance for the Azzurri came during the nation’s Euro 2024 round of 16 defeat to Switzerland.

Chiesa’s Liverpool dream turns to nightmare

Chiesa’s exile from the Italian national team coincided with his move from Juventus to English giants Liverpool.

The winger joined the Reds in August 2024 in a deal worth up to £12.5million.

Chiesa’s arrival marked the first signing of the Arne Slot era at Anfield.

However, the Italian’s time in Merseyside has not exactly gone to plan.

Since he joined, the 28-year-old has made just 46 appearances across all competitions for the Reds, but only nine of those have been starts.

Despite his limited game time, Chiesa has endeared himself to the Anfield faithful with his passionate, high-energy cameos off the bench.

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Why Chiesa turned down Italy call-up in November

Chiesa also could have ended his international exile as recently as last November, but he elected to turn down a call-up to the Italian national team.

Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso confirmed as much, although he refused to divulge Chiesa’s reasons for the snub.

“I must respect what the player tells me,” Gattuso said last November.

“I often talk to him.

“We have to respect the decisions we make and the issues we have.

“We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else.”

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When is Italy in action during the March international break?

With Chiesa now out of the squad and Cambiaghi drafted in, Gattuso can fully focus on Italy’s upcoming UEFA play-off matches for a spot at this year’s World Cup.

The four-time World Cup winners will face Northern Ireland in the qualification semi-final on March 26.

Should Gattuso’s side emerge victorious, they will then take on either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31, with the winner to enter Group A at the World Cup alongside co-hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.