Italy coach Luciano Spalletti has clarified why new Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa will not join the national team for their upcoming fixtures.
Chiesa, who transferred from Juventus to Liverpool for an initial £10 million last week, was not included in Italy’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against France and Israel.
The 26-year-old has not played since Italy’s exit from Euro 2024 at the Round of 16 stage against Switzerland on June 29.
He was informed that he was not part of the plans under new Juventus boss Thiago Motta.
Although Chiesa was invited to join the Italy squad as a non-playing member, he chose to decline the invitation in order to focus on regaining his fitness at Liverpool.
“We spoke with Chiesa and made a balanced assessment,” said Spalletti, speaking to the media on Monday.
“I would have brought him as an additional player but not have him participate in the two matches.
“He told me that he had spoken with his new club and needed to do specific preparation to work with them.
“There was a need to develop a strong, hard training period, which must adapt to the new working methods.”
Chiesa’s move mirrors the situation of Ryan Gravenberch from 12 months ago.
At that time, Gravenberch declined an invitation to play for the Netherlands U21s after joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day.
As a result, he was overlooked for several senior Dutch squads before eventually being reintegrated.
He was included in the 26-man squad for the European Championships that summer.
Meanwhile, Spalletti explained that Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, who made his first appearance in 10 months on Sunday after serving a betting ban, was called up to the squad because he had “trained regularly.”
Liverpool’s next match is on September 14, when Nottingham Forest visit Anfield in the Premier League.
It’s likely that Chiesa could be involved in that game.
Read more: Graeme Souness gives Liverpool title prediction after Manchester United win
Victor Osimhen agrees to join Galatasaray on loan after Chelsea transfer collapse
How Raheem Sterling is getting himself fit ahead of huge Arsenal debut
