“You Need to Tell Me” – Federico Chiesa Blunt Liverpool Demand Made as Italy Legend Seeks Answers
Former Roma, Real Madrid, Sampdoria, and Italy forward Antonio Cassano has recently shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s summer signing, Federico Chiesa.
Federico Chiesa’s journey with Liverpool has been challenging since his arrival. The Reds signed him from Juventus for £12 million over the summer, but so far, he has only made one start and two substitute appearances.
However, there’s optimism that Chiesa may soon be ready for more action. Prior to Liverpool’s 2-0 home victory over Aston Villa, manager Arne Slot mentioned that the Italy international might make his return during the upcoming international break.
Due to fitness issues, Chiesa has been left out of Italy’s squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Belgium and France.
Chiesa, who was a key figure in Italy’s Euro 2020 victory at Wembley, is a significant addition to Liverpool, and his development on Merseyside is a major topic in Italy.
Last month, manager Slot’s comments about Chiesa’s absence caused some “embarrassment” back in Italy.
Cassano, meanwhile, has voiced his concern over Chiesa’s continued struggle with injuries and its implications for the national team during a recent appearance on Viva el Futbol.
“You need to tell me what the f**k is happening with Chiesa,” said Cassano, who also played for AC Milan, Inter Milan and Parma during his colourful career.
“A player who in 2021 was one of the best if not the best along with (Gianluigi) Donnarumma in the Italy team that won, and I thought, now he goes there, different league, he’ll be fine and can play wing-back, can play wherever he wants and likes, but he can’t even play 10 minutes in the league.
“He’s physically unwell, hasn’t settled in, isn’t up to standard? We need to know something about this for our national team because in my opinion he’s the most talented player we have.”
With 51 caps and seven goals for Italy, Chiesa is aiming to make his return when Liverpool face Premier League bottom side Southampton away on November 24.
Slot said on Friday: “I would not use the word concern but it is far from ideal for him and us. Because with the injury of Dioga (Jota) we have four attackers available, so this could have been a great moment for him to get more playing time.
“It is difficult for a player who missed out on pre-season and playing pre-season games and training sessions. You have to give a player more time to get to the intensity levels.
“It is a difficult balance to get him where we want but we are trying and he is trying everything he can to get to these levels.
“Once he is at that physical level we will benefit from having him. At this moment we expect him back during the international break and then he should be with us after the international break normally.”
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