Federico Chiesa‘s absence from the Italy squad has been explained by manager Gennaro Gattuso, while positive injury news regarding Andy Robertson emerged.
Italy door opened for Federico Chiesa
It has now been over a year since Chiesa featured for Italy, with the current Azzurri squad again not featuring the 27-year-old.
Coach Gattuso has explained why the Liverpool attacker isn’t involved despite an upturn in form for the Reds.
“Federico and I talk every two weeks or so. He told me he’s not feeling 100 percent yet and that needs to be respected,” said the manager via la Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He’ll play for the national team when he reaches the top.”
Gattuso’s comments suggest Chiesa is still in the team’s plans, but he will need to play more regularly to regain his place in the national team setup.
Fans in his home country are all too aware of his quality, having led Italy to Euro 2022 glory, and a firing Chiesa would be a major asset for a side currently second in their World Cup qualifying group.
Today’s Liverpool FC News
• Andy Robertson has allayed fears he was properly injured against Chelsea, saying he “can’t wait” for Scotland’s home match against Greece – good news as he needs the game time
• Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has complimented Liverpool’s integration of Alexander Isak, while noting how Newcastle haven’t been as wise with Yoane Wissa – read more here
• Liverpool fans have raised over £226,000 for the LFC Foundation through their purchases of Diogo Jota‘s shirt – profits are going to help create a grassroots football programme in his name
More from This Is Anfield
Arne Slot‘s achievements have already led to fans placing him on a famous Kop banner alongside his legendary Liverpool predecessors, but how is he perceived in back his home country? Joe Baker gives us the view from the Netherlands:
“The pride in Slot’s achievements to date is especially strong because he has done it with Dutch players integral to the effort – from the immense Virgil van Dijk at the back to the midfield heartbeat Ryan Gravenberch and the penetrative Cody Gakpo on the wing.
“The introduction of Jeremie Frimpong has only increased the number of Dutch football fans who now view Liverpool as their Premier League team of choice.
“The 47-year-old’s success is heightening Dutch following of English football generally. No matter who they support in the Eredivisie, the majority of football fans I’ve spoken with in the Netherlands are taking a keen interest in how Liverpool are doing under Slot.”
READ: How Arne Slot is viewed in the Netherlands: “the best coach in the world”
Elsewhere in the football world today
• David Raya has signed a new contract at Arsenal on higher wages but, like with Leandro Trossard in the summer, it hasn’t been officially announced (BBC Sport)
• Sean Dyche would not be interested in taking over as Rangers manager following the sacking of Russell Martin just four months into his tenure (Sky Sports)
• Harry Kane has said he is “fully all in” with Bayern Munich and isn’t currently considering a return to the Premier League – he’s scored 103 goals in 106 games for Bayern!
Liverpool FC: On this day
On this day in 2000, Didi Hamann made history by scoring the last-ever goal at Wembley before it was rebuilt.
The Liverpool midfielder netted a brilliant long-range free-kick in Germany’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over England, with Christian Ziege, Michael Owen and future Red Nick Barmby also on the pitch.
After the match, Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan decided time was up as he resigned from his post as England manager.
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