Chiesa: ‘Doing my best for Liverpool chance, was not ready for Italy’ | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa scored for Liverpool and insisted he’s ‘doing the best I can to have a chance here’ under new coach Andoni Iraola, but explained he was ‘not ready physically’ to play for Italy.

Federico Chiesa of Liverpool is seen during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool FC at PSV Stadion on January 29, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

The former Juventus man came to Anfield two years ago, but managed a pitiful nine starts over two seasons with Arne Slot.

Now that he has been fired and replaced by Iraola, Chiesa is hoping to be given an opportunity to shine.

Chiesa still waiting for real Liverpool chance

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JULY 25: Jack Whitaker #40 of Sunderland AFC and Federico Chiesa #14 of Liverpool FC battle for the ball during the second half of their pre-season friendly match at GEODIS Park on July 25, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

“Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool,” Chiesa told reporters including The Athletic in Nashville after scoring in the 4-2 friendly win over Sunderland.

“I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything. I am doing the best I can to have a chance here and then we will see. At the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool.”

Every transfer session there are reports that Chiesa could return to Serie A, where he might get more playing time and earn a recall to the Italy squad.

However, he has consistently been against the idea of abandoning the experience in Liverpool until he has truly been given the opportunity to show what he is capable of.

“It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year. Maybe there have been too many fresh starts, but I don’t care,” he continued.

“I am trying to do my best for this new manager. Last year I also felt ready to play a bigger role, but then it depended on whether the coach wanted me to play or not.

“The gaffer had his game plans, he took his decisions, I have nothing to say about that. This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that.”

The 28-year-old winger was used as a striker in the pre-season friendly, which he fully confessed was a new experience for him after “my whole career as a winger, but I am happy to play striker as well.”

Chiesa has not played for Italy since the end of the EURO 2024 tournament, largely because he refused to be included until he had more regular playing time with Liverpool.

When he did attend the squad call-ups, he often left immediately after a fitness test.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

“I spoke to Gattuso a few times last season but I was not ready physically at the time. I needed more minutes and he understood the situation,” added Chiesa.

“When I got back in March, unfortunately I got injured. But of course I am looking forward to playing for the national team. I have won with the national team and it is always great to play for your country.”