Federico Chiesa, Getty Images November 10, 2025, 9:21 p.m

Liverpool and Italy attacking midfielder Federico Chiesa has refused to join the national team for the crucial qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup in North America. It was reported journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The head coach of “Squad Azzurri” Genaro Gattuso commented on the situation, urging to treat the player’s decision with understanding:

“I talk to Chiesa a lot. We have to respect everyone’s decision and the circumstances we have. There’s nothing more I can say – that’s the truth.”

The reasons for Chiesa’s rejection of the call have not yet been officially disclosed.

We will remind, in the last two games of the qualifying cycle, the Italian national team will play against Moldova (November 13) and Norway (November 16), which is a direct competitor of the Italians and the leader of Group I.