Chiesa ‘can return soon’ to Italy squad, but requires Liverpool opportunities first
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 2: Federico Chiesa #14 of Liverpool warms up before a friendly match against Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Roberto Mancini says Federico Chiesa ‘can return soon’ to the Italy national team squad, but adds that he requires fitness and playing opportunities at club level with Liverpool first.
Mancini discusses Chiesa during Italy press conference
Chiesa has not played for Italy in over two years, since the EURO 2024 round of 16 defeat against Switzerland.
He was named in the Italy national team squad for the first time since then by Gennaro Gattuso ahead of the World Cup play-off campaign earlier this year, but withdrew and left Coverciano on the first day of the camp.
Chiesa was not included in the youthful Italy squad led by Silvio Baldini for friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece in June, nor was he included in Mancini’s first squad after his reinstatement as head coach back in September.
Mancini, speaking during a press conference at Coverciano on Monday, left the door open for Chiesa’s return to the Italy national team squad first, but made it clear that he must regain full fitness at club level first.
“I spoke to Federico many times, also recently,” said Mancini. “He’s not playing right now and must regain fitness, but he is 29, still in his physical maturity; I think he can return soon.”
Chiesa has again been suffering from physical and fitness issues in the early stages of the 2026-27 season. A back injury ruled him out of the first five Premier League matches of the season, but since then, he has only appeared once and for just two minutes at the end of a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City.
He has been left out of the Liverpool squad for three of the last four matches in a row and was not included on the club’s Champions League squad list for the 2026-27 league phase.
Click here to read more from Mancini’s Italy press conference.
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