Why Chiesa refusal for Italy is not like Acerbi rejection | OneFootball

While the refusal to attend international duty for Italy raised eyebrows, the situation for Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa is very different to Inter’s Francesco Acerbi.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso confirmed in his press conference yesterday that he would again gladly have brought Chiesa back into the fold, but that he “must respect what the player tells me.”

The 28-year-old has not represented the Azzurri since the ill-fated EURO 2024 tournament, despite contributing two goals and three assists in 12 competitive appearances for Liverpool this season.

Italy call turned down by Chiesa and Acerbi

FLORENCE – OCTOBER 15: Serie A defender Francesco Acerbi of Italy looks on during a training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 15, 2023 in Florence. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

The last time a player turned down the call-up for Italy was when Acerbi said no to Luciano Spalletti going into the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Norway.

It caused a rift and a great deal of controversy, but this is a very different situation.

Acerbi rejected the call of the Nazionale because he felt disrespected as a veteran defender asked to plug the gap for just two games amid an injury crisis, being told there was no future for him in Spalletti’s vision.

UDINE – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

On the other hand, Chiesa has explained to Gattuso that he wants to return for his country only when he is back to full fitness and can give a genuine contribution.

Otherwise, he is taking up room that could be given to a player in better form.