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Federico Chiesa Left Out Of Senior Squad Traveling To Asia

Federico Chiesa Omitted from Italy's Senior Squad: A Setback for the Liverpool Winger

In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples through the Italian football community, Federico Chiesa has been left out of Luciano Spalletti's latest senior squad for the Azzurri. The decision, announced ahead of crucial Nations League fixtures, underscores the intense competition within the national team and raises questions about Chiesa's current form and fitness following his high-profile move to Liverpool. As one of Italy's most promising talents in recent years, Chiesa's exclusion marks a notable chapter in his career, prompting discussions about his path forward and the evolving dynamics of the Italian national setup.

Chiesa, the 26-year-old winger known for his explosive pace, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring prowess, burst onto the international scene during Euro 2020. His performances were instrumental in Italy's triumphant campaign, where he scored crucial goals against Austria and Spain, helping the team secure the title. That tournament solidified his status as a key player for the Azzurri, and he continued to feature prominently in subsequent qualifiers and friendlies. However, injuries have plagued his progress in the years since, including a serious ACL tear in January 2022 while at Juventus, which sidelined him for nearly 10 months. Upon his return, Chiesa struggled to recapture his pre-injury form, often appearing as a shadow of the dynamic forward who lit up the European Championship.

The move to Liverpool this summer was seen as a fresh start for Chiesa. Acquired from Juventus for a reported fee that could rise to £12.5 million, the transfer was hailed as a bargain for the Premier League giants, given his pedigree. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool's new manager, Chiesa has been gradually integrated into the squad, making cameo appearances in matches against teams like Bournemouth and West Ham. His debut goal for the Reds in the Carabao Cup against West Ham showcased glimpses of his talent—a well-taken finish that reminded fans of his capabilities. Yet, these outings have been limited, with Slot opting for a cautious approach to manage Chiesa's minutes amid a packed schedule. This lack of consistent playing time at club level appears to have influenced Spalletti's decision to overlook him for the senior team.

Spalletti, who took over as Italy's head coach in 2023, has been vocal about his philosophy of selecting players based on current form, fitness, and tactical fit rather than reputation alone. In the press conference following the squad announcement, the former Napoli boss emphasized the need for a balanced team capable of competing in high-stakes environments. "We have a wealth of options in the wide areas," Spalletti stated, pointing to the emergence of players like Mattia Zaccagni, Giacomo Raspadori, and the in-form Lorenzo Pellegrini. Additionally, the inclusion of younger talents such as Destiny Udogie and the recall of experienced figures like Matteo Politano signal a squad refresh aimed at building momentum for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Chiesa's omission is particularly striking given Italy's upcoming fixtures against Belgium and Israel in the Nations League. These matches are pivotal for the Azzurri, who are looking to top their group and advance to the finals. Without Chiesa's flair on the flanks, Spalletti will rely on a more pragmatic approach, potentially leaning on the creativity of players like Nicolo Barella in midfield to unlock defenses. Analysts have speculated that Chiesa's recent injury history and the need to manage his workload at Liverpool played a significant role in the decision. Reports from Italian media outlets suggest that Spalletti and his staff held discussions with Liverpool's medical team, concluding that international duty at this juncture could risk further setbacks for the player.

This isn't the first time Chiesa has faced exclusion; he was also left out of squads during his recovery periods at Juventus. However, this instance feels different, as it comes at a time when he's ostensibly fit and adapting to a new league. Fans and pundits alike have expressed mixed reactions. On social media, supporters of the Azzurri have debated the merits of the call-up, with some arguing that Chiesa's experience could have been invaluable, while others praise Spalletti for prioritizing meritocracy. Former Italy international Alessandro Del Piero weighed in, stating in a recent interview, "Federico is a special player, but form is temporary, and class is permanent. He needs to prove himself consistently at Liverpool to force his way back."

Looking deeper into Chiesa's career trajectory, his journey has been one of highs and lows. Born in Genoa to former Italy striker Enrico Chiesa, Federico grew up in the shadow of his father's legacy but quickly carved out his own path. Starting at Fiorentina, where he made his Serie A debut in 2016, Chiesa's blend of speed and technical ability drew comparisons to wingers like Arjen Robben. His €50 million move to Juventus in 2020 was a statement of intent, and he contributed significantly to their Coppa Italia win in 2021. Yet, the aforementioned ACL injury derailed his momentum, leading to a frustrating period where he scored just 10 goals in 47 appearances post-recovery.

At Liverpool, the expectations are high. The club, fresh off a strong start to the season under Slot, sees Chiesa as a versatile option who can compete with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo. His ability to play on either wing or even as a second striker adds depth to an already formidable attack. However, adapting to the Premier League's intensity has its challenges, and Chiesa has spoken openly about the cultural and tactical adjustments required. In a recent interview with Liverpool's official website, he expressed enthusiasm: "I'm here to learn, to grow, and to contribute. The pace is different, but I'm ready for it."

The exclusion from the Italy squad could serve as motivation for Chiesa. Historically, such snubs have spurred players to elevate their performances—think of how Paulo Dybala bounced back after similar oversights. For Chiesa, the immediate focus will be on securing more minutes at Anfield, particularly in upcoming league clashes against Arsenal and Chelsea. Success there could pave the way for a swift return to the Azzurri fold, especially with World Cup qualifiers looming next year.

Broader implications for Italian football also come into play. Spalletti's tenure has been about rejuvenating a squad that underperformed at the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, missing out entirely. By favoring in-form players, he's instilling a competitive edge, but it risks alienating established stars like Chiesa. The winger's situation highlights the precarious balance between club and country commitments, a theme increasingly relevant in modern football with congested calendars.

In the meantime, Chiesa has been named in Italy's Under-21 squad as a potential overage player, though reports indicate he might decline to focus on club duties. This development adds another layer to the narrative, suggesting a strategic step back to rebuild confidence. As the Nations League approaches, all eyes will be on how Italy performs without one of their Euro 2020 heroes, and whether Chiesa can channel this disappointment into a resurgence.

Ultimately, Federico Chiesa's omission is more than a squad selection—it's a reminder of football's unforgiving nature. Talent alone isn't enough; consistency, fitness, and timing are paramount. For Chiesa, this could be the catalyst for a comeback story, much like his recovery from injury. Italian fans will hope that the Liverpool chapter reignites the spark that made him a national treasure, ensuring his return to the senior squad sooner rather than later. As the season unfolds, his progress will be closely monitored, with the potential to redefine his legacy in both club and international arenas. (Word count: 1,048)

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