Unavailable for Italy, fit for Liverpool: Chiesa infuriates Azzurri fans | OneFootball

Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has attracted criticism in Italy as the 28-year-old pulled out of the Azzurri national team for the World Cup play-off, but will be available for Liverpool this weekend.

Several fans on X have criticised Chiesa after Liverpool coach Arne Slot announced the Italian winger would be available for an FA Cup against Manchester City today, Italian sources, including Gazzetta, Repubblica and Corriere della Sera, report.

Chiesa, a former Juventus and Fiorentina star, had been included in the Italy squad for the World Cup play-off two weeks ago, but pulled out of the team before even taking part in his first training session with the national team.

Italy’s forward #14 Federico Chiesa reacts at the end of the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 football match between Switzerland and Italy at the Olympiastadion Berlin in Berlin on June 29, 2024. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

Chiesa has not played for Italy since the 2024 Euros.

The FIGC and Gennaro Gattuso explained that Chiesa was not fit to feature for the Azzurri, but the Nazionale boss, who has now resigned, also added that Chiesa once again didn’t feel ready to play for the national team, so he returned to his club during the March break.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool is challenged by Pascal Struijk of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on January 01, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Other players who were not fit or even injured still joined the Azzurri; among them were Guglielmo Vicario and Gianluca Scamacca.