Gattuso: Why Italy dropped Chiesa and called three debutants, including Leoni | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso reveals Federico Chiesa ‘didn’t feel ready’ for his Italy comeback, but debutants Giovanni Leoni, Francesco Pio Esposito and Giovanni Fabbian have ‘qualities that can fit into this group.’

Italy coach Gattuso held the first press conference during the September break, during which the Azzurri will meet Estonia and Israel.

Football Italia was among the accredited media at Coverciano today.

Gattuso confirmed that captain Gigio Donnarumma would undergo medical tests in Florence today ahead of a permanent move to Manchester City.

Gattuso has called up three debutants for the next two international games: Fabbian (Bologna), Pio Esposito (Inter) and Leoni (Liverpool).

Chiesa was not called up by Italy by mutual agreement

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Chiesa, on the other hand, did not join the Azzurri, remaining in Liverpool despite scoring a crucial goal on the Reds’ Premier League debut last month.

“I spoke with Chiesa, and we made the decision together,” Gattuso said.

“He didn’t feel ready to come back because he wanted to be at 100%. We decided it calmly together. Raspadori has played 10–20 minutes in the first matches, but it’s difficult to find players with similar characteristics, and Raspadori can give me something different.”

The ex-Napoli striker has joined Atletico Madrid this summer.

What Italy coach Gattuso said about Italy debutants

Gennaro Gattuso’s during his first press conference at Coverciano on September 1, 2025.

Talking about the three Azzurri debutants, Gattuso said: “When I see a player, I must be impressed by the personality. I think these young players already possess the ability to play like experienced players.

“I saw Leoni play on an open field against Lukaku last season. They are ready. Perhaps, at their age, we didn’t have the audacity they have, and I want to reward them for this aspect. Then, of course, quality is the foundation of everything.

“It’s hard to say if they are ready. Being ready comes from experience — the more you play, the more you grow,” continued the CT.

“I think Fabbian is similar to Frattesi: he fills the box well, he also has physicality and important timing when making runs. I called him because he’s similar to Frattesi. Pio has technique and is technically strong. Leoni was born in 2006 and has significant speed peaks. We’ll see them here. I haven’t given them anything as a gift; I believe they have specific qualities that can fit into this group.”

Gattuso will make his debut as Italy head coach on September 5 against Estonia in Bergamo. The game against Israel will be played on neutral turf in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 8.