Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has received a call up to represent Italy for the first time in nearly two years ahead of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup playoffs. The Azzurri are eager to avoid missing the tournament for the third consecutive time.
Italy’s head coach Gennaro Gattuso announced a squad of 28 players on Friday.
The four-time World Cup winners must secure a victory over Northern Ireland in the playoffs on Thursday in Bergamo, followed by another win against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina five days later, to prevent an extended absence of at least 16 years from the world’s biggest soccer stage.
Chiesa, who was instrumental in Italy’s European Championship victory in 2021, last represented his country in Euro 2024, where Italy was eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 16.
After transferring from Juventus to Liverpool in August 2024, Chiesa has faced challenges in securing playing time, having started just one match in the Premier League this season. He began his professional career at Fiorentina.
The 28-year-old has quickly become a fan favorite at Liverpool, known for his energetic performance and spirited approach on the pitch.
In addition, Cagliari defender Marco Palestra has been included in the Italy squad for the first time. Other notable returns include Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta and Niccolò Pisilli from Roma, both of whom are back after nearly two-year absences.
Italy’s recent playoff eliminations saw them defeated by Sweden before the 2018 World Cup and by North Macedonia in 2022.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli).
Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Diego Coppola (Paris FC), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Leonardo Spinazzola (Napoli).
Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle).
Forwards: Federico Chiesa (Liverpool), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta).