Gattuso tells Chiesa he must ‘play consistently’ amid Liverpool exit rumours | OneFootball

New Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso insists Federico Chiesa must ‘play consistently’ to return to the Azzurri squad: ‘I told him…’

Gattuso was unveiled as the new Italy coach on Thursday.

The new Azzurri boss said he had already spoken to some players, including Liverpool winger Chiesa.

What Gattuso told Chiesa about Liverpool playing time

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Gennaro Gattuso of Valencia CF reacts during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Sociedad and Valencia CF at Reale Arena on November 06, 2022 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The former Juventus and Fiorentina star hasn’t played for the Azzurri since last summer’s Euros, as he struggled with injuries and limited playing time at Liverpool during the 2024-25 campaign.

“I told Chiesa that he needs to find a way to get settled and play consistently. This applies to everyone,” Gattuso said.

Chiesa seeks Liverpool exit

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool scores his team’s fourth goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Accrington Stanley at Anfield on January 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Football Italia confirmed last week that Chiesa is seeking an exit route from Liverpool, aiming to secure more playing time in the 2025-26 season. Napoli are among the clubs interested in the Italian winger, although the Partenopei haven’t yet made contact with the Reds.

The Italian winger recently commented on a possible return to Serie A, refusing to rule out moves to Milan and even Juventus.

At the same time, Chiesa said his personal goal for 2025-26 is to start the pre-season with Liverpool in his best shape.

Chiesa scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 Liverpool appearances across all competitions in 2024-25.