Official: FIGC explains Chiesa omission from Italy squad | OneFootball

The FIGC explains that Federico Chiesa ‘has been deemed unavailable for the next two matches’ following an assessment of his physical condition, so the 28-year-old has already returned to Liverpool.

Chiesa left Italy’s training centre Coverciano on Monday to return to Liverpool and won’t be available for the World Cup play-off this week.

Official: Why Chiesa pulled out of Italy squad for 2026 World Cup play-off

The Italian FA explained Gennaro Gattuso’s decision with an official statement on Monday morning: “Federico Chiesa, after his physical condition was assessed upon arrival at the federal technical centre, has been deemed unavailable for the next two matches and, in agreement with his club, has left the national team training camp.”

The FIGC confirmed that Bologna’s Nicolò Cambiaghi was included in the Azzurri squad to replace Chiesa.

The Liverpool winger had not featured for the Italy national team since the 2024 Euros and had previously rejected the chance to play for the Azzurri under Gattuso.

A Euro 2020 winner, Chiesa has scored seven goals in 51 appearances with the Italy national team.

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)

He has made 32 appearances across all competitions with Liverpool this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists, but has only played 673 minutes with the Reds in 2025-26.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Nicolò Cambiaghi of Bologna FC competes for the ball with Sebastian Walukiewicz of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Bologna FC 1909 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on March 15, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Cambiaghi, 25, has only played once for the Azzurri but has four goals and six assists in 37 Bologna games this term.

The 25-year-old has played over 2,000 minutes with the Rossoblu in 2025-26.