Chiesa gets first run-out in three months as Liverpool triumph in EFL Cup | OneFootball

Italy international Federico Chiesa got his first minutes in three months as Liverpool recorded a 2-1 victory away against Southampton to progress to the EFL Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night.

Chiesa earns fourth appearance in Liverpool colours

Chiesa was not included in Arne Slot’s starting line-up, but appeared as a second-half substitute for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The former Juventus and Fiorentina forward played in his usual role, as Slot shuffled the team around at half-time.

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The Liverpool coach had promised that Chiesa would get minutes in the cup against Southampton prior to kick-off, even though he wasn’t included in the starting XI.

It was the Italy international’s first appearance in any senior competition since September, and just his fourth since joining Liverpool from the Bianconeri in August.

He has now played for just over two hours in competitive matches since Italy’s exit from EURO 2024 in the summer.

Liverpool went 2-0 up in the first-half, prior to Chiesa’s introduction, and conceded from Cameron Archer after 59 minutes, but were strong enough to hold onto a 2-1 victory.

Liverpool will find out their semi-final opponent after the conclusion of Tottenham vs. Manchester United on Thursday night.