Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has withdrawn from the Italy squad for the upcoming international break.
The 28-year-old had been recalled by Gennaro Gattuso for the first time since 2024, but the Italian FA confirmed on Monday that, following discussions with Liverpool, he will not feature in the World Cup qualification play-offs.
Italy face Northern Ireland in Thursday’s semi-final, with a potential final against Wales or Bosnia, but Chiesa will instead return to the AXA Training Centre.
He has previously declined informal call-ups to focus on regaining full fitness, and it remains unclear if this latest withdrawal is injury-related. Chiesa made a brief appearance in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Saturday.
Arne Slot is already dealing with injury concerns, with Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak both sidelined.
Isak is expected to return for the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain on April 8, while Salah is also pushing to be fit.
Hugo Ekitike, who went off early at Brighton, is expected to recover after sustaining a dead leg.
A statement from the Italian FA read: “Federico Chiesa was assessed on arrival at the Federal Technical Centre and deemed unavailable for the next two matches.
“In agreement with his club, he has left the squad. Bologna winger Nicolo Cambiaghi has been called up as his replacement.”
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