The absence of Federico Chiesa from the Italian national team for the upcoming matches is causing a great stir among fans and the sports media. The forward, who plays for Liverpool, was deemed “unavailable” by the FIGC following an assessment of his physical condition, leading him to return to Liverpool ahead of the crucial playoff for the 2026 World Cup.
In an official statement, the Italian Football Federation clarified the situation: “Federico Chiesa, after the evaluation of his physical condition upon arriving at the national team’s training center, was considered unavailable for the next two matches and, in agreement with his club, left the national team’s camp.” The decision by coach Gennaro Gattuso was undoubtedly a surprise for many, especially given Chiesa’s influence on the national team in recent years.
With his absence confirmed, the coach has called up Nicolò Cambiaghi from Bologna as a replacement. Cambiaghi, 25, has been in great form this season, recording four goals and six assists in 37 matches. However, he has only had one opportunity to shine in the Azzurri jersey. Fans hope he can bring new energy to the team at a critical moment.
Chiesa, a winner of Euro 2020, had not appeared for the national team since the 2024 European Championship and had already declined a call-up to represent the Azzurri under Gattuso’s leadership. His return to his club team is a blow not only for the player but also for the fans who had high hopes for his contribution to the team’s success.
This season, Chiesa has been an important figure for Liverpool, with 32 appearances and three goals, as well as three assists. However, in 2025-26, the forward’s playing time was limited, with only 673 minutes on the pitch. The pressure is now on Cambiaghi and the rest of the squad to meet expectations as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.
The future of the Italian national team is at stake, and the absence of such an influential player as Chiesa could have significant repercussions in the quest for World Cup qualification. The football community is eagerly awaiting the next moves of the Azzurri and how Gattuso will shape the team without one of its key players.
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