Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has delivered a blunt message to star forward Federico Chiesa, stating that his continued absence from the national squad is 'his problem' and not that of the coaching staff.
The Ongoing Standoff
The 28-year-old Liverpool attacker has not featured for the Azzurri since their shock exit to Switzerland in the round of 16 at the last European Championship, a tournament they entered as reigning champions. Despite being a pivotal figure in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph under Roberto Mancini, Chiesa has repeatedly turned down recent call-ups.
Gattuso addressed the situation in a press conference ahead of Italy's crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Norway and Moldova. The team suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway but recovered with a 2-0 victory over Moldova, a result that secured their place in the upcoming play-offs.
Gattuso's Firm Stance
When pressed by reporters from Sky Italia for clarification, Gattuso's frustration was evident. 'You know this very well,' he stated. 'You always ask the same questions. I call Chiesa. I call him before every international break.'
He made it clear where the responsibility lies, emphatically adding: 'The problem isn't Gattuso or his coaching staff. It's his problem. Not ours. You know that very well. You always ask me the same questions and I keep giving you the same answer.'
Prior to the matches, Gattuso had hinted at personal issues affecting the player's decision, saying, 'I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has.' He confirmed that the decision to snub the call-up came directly from Chiesa himself, revealing this was the 'fourth or fifth time' he had explained the situation.
Road to the World Cup Play-Offs
Gattuso, the former midfield legend who was appointed manager mid-campaign after Luciano Spaletti's dismissal, now leads Italy into the World Cup play-offs. The Azzurri have been drawn against Northern Ireland, with a potential subsequent tie against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This is not the first time Gattuso has publicly addressed Chiesa's unavailability. Back in September, he revealed the player had ruled himself out of fixtures against Belgium and Israel because he did not feel '100 per cent' physically or mentally.
'The Chiesa issue is very simple,' Gattuso said at the time. 'I speak every week with Fede and he knows what I think of him, but I also have to respect what the player tells me. He does not feel at 100 per cent and wants to be at 100 per cent, that is the truth.'
As Italy prepares for its critical play-off matches, the door remains open, but the ball is firmly in Federico Chiesa's court.
