Why Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa would benefit from a Serie A return | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa remains a perpetual ‘what if’ player so far in his Premier League career. Liverpool’s Italian winger has had far from a routine first year on Merseyside, and with next year’s World Cup just over the horizon, a return to Italy in January might be ideal.

Liverpool signed Chiesa from Juventus in August of 2024 in a deal reportedly worth £10 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons. While it was understood that he was brought in for depth, as perhaps a shadow of the Euro infamy that often preludes his career, Chiesa was still known for the odd piece of flair and magic. Alas, he has still struggled within these permutations.

On first glance, it’d be easy to see how someone might confuse the 28-year-old for being a fair few years younger, with the amount his minutes have been managed. Approaching what should be his footballing peak, Chiesa needs more consistent chances, rather than facing an uphill battle against Liverpool’s plethora of wing-based depth. Granted, though, he must overcome a well-known enemy – his own body.

Since joining the Reds, the Genoa-born winger has made a mere 30 appearances across all competitions, with four goals arriving in that time. His inconsistent form has largely been down to injuries, including minor muscle and knee complaints that kept him sidelined at the Anfield club for 73 days this year between late October and early December. Even then, a festive return was blighted by illness.

Chiesa’s somewhat limited Premier League career so far

A key point here is that this article is by no means slighting the 51-cap Italy international. No, it would simply be a joy to watch Chiesa return to a full bill of health to take centre stage in a side and league that suits him. That place surely remains the boot-shaped peninsula.

With Serie A, Chiesa has an environment he knows he can thrive in. Whether that be the pace of play, the tactical style, or just familiarity, there will always be a strong link back to his homeland. In fact, mid-November saw rumblings rise from Italy about a potential return with none other than Scudetti holders Napoli courting Chiesa’s services.

Reports at the time suggested that talks had started between the player’s agent and the Neapolitans, and Azzurri manager Gennaro Gattuso even suggested that the winger should return to his native shores for consistent playing time.

The fact that Antonio Conte’s side is interested should come as not only a credit to Chiesa’s abilities, but also his potential as a fine project player. This prospective move should reinject some excitement into a career that is at risk of stagnation, following the rebirth path of the likes of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, and of course, Scott McTominay.

Granted, Chiesa wants to stay and fight: “I want the competition! I want to play here and think it helps me become a better player.” Yet, if the opportunities don’t come, he must remember that old adage that all roads ultimately lead to home.

GIFN | Max Bradfield