Italy's National Team: A bitter disappointment for Chiesa

Three days prior to the decisive playoff semifinal against Northern Ireland for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, Italy's squad faced a setback with Federico Chiesa's exclusion due to fitness issues. Nicolo Cambiaghi, Bologna's 25-year-old striker, has been summoned to take his place.

Chiesa's inclusion in the list of 29 players called up by coach Gennaro Gattuso for the upcoming critical playoffs has been a hot topic in Italy recently. There have been both questions and hopes. Chiesa was once the key figure and shining star in Italy's greatest triumph at EURO 2020. Many fans still wish to see him in the Azzurri blue.

However, doubts are substantial and realistic. Chiesa's last call-up to the national team was at EURO 2024, where Italy was eliminated by Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Nearly two years away from the national team also coincides with nearly two years of numerous challenges at Liverpool. Adapting to a league that demands higher speed and stamina than Serie A, Chiesa faced persistent fitness issues, injuries, and intense competition, resulting in limited playing opportunities. Overall, he played only 404 minutes in the Premier League over two seasons, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist, most recently assisting in Liverpool's 1-2 loss to Manchester United on October 19, 2025.

The main reason Gattuso still decided to call up Chiesa lies in both the talent and resilience of this versatile 29-year-old midfielder. He is a player who can change the game with a brilliant move or even a clever trick to earn a crucial free kick. He can fill any position in the attacking system, adapting to various tactical adjustments. Having experienced both glory and painful defeats, he possesses the experience and composure to handle the immense pressure of decisive matches. In reality, both former coach Luciano Spalletti and current coach Gattuso have wanted Chiesa, but he himself has focused on regaining form and his position at Liverpool and declined national team call-ups for nearly two years.

Thus, it is bitterly disappointing for the former Juventus star that this time he was rejected. Not by Gattuso or the fans, but by the medical staff, who determined he was not fit enough to play. He was eager to return, hoping to contribute to ensuring Italy does not miss the World Cup for the third consecutive time, but the harsh consequences of irregular playtime in England forced him to leave the training camp with immense sadness. Given this situation, even if Italy secures a spot in the 2026 World Cup, it is unlikely Chiesa will participate in the planet's biggest football event.

On March 26th, Italy will face Northern Ireland in the playoff semifinal at the New Balance stadium in Bergamo (Atalanta's home ground). If they win, they will meet the winner of the other semifinal between Wales and Bosnia & Herzegovina, competing for the final ticket to the 2026 World Cup on March 30th. If they do not defeat Northern Ireland, Italy will play a friendly match against an unspecified opponent.