Pirlo appointment sparks recall hopes
Federico Chiesa’s Italy future has emerged as a central talking point as Andrea Pirlo prepares to assume control of the national team. The Liverpool winger has remained in international exile since Euro 2024, but his productive history under the incoming coach suggests a pathway back to the Azzurri may soon open.
Chiesa has not worn the Italy shirt since the Round of 16 defeat to Switzerland in Berlin last summer, where the Azzurri suffered a 2-0 elimination. That match marked the end of his involvement under the previous regime, despite numerous attempts by former coach Gennaro Gattuso to facilitate his return.
Fitness battles and withdrawal controversies
During Gattuso’s tenure, the Italy setup tried to recall Chiesa on multiple occasions, yet the player was repeatedly deemed “not ready” or lacking sufficient fitness for international duty. The situation reached a head in March when Chiesa withdrew from World Cup qualifier squads before training with the team, missing the decisive play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The timing of his withdrawal proved particularly contentious, as he became available for Liverpool duties immediately after the international window closed. Gattuso publicly stated that he respected the player’s personal assessment of his physical condition, though the repeated omissions left uncertainty hanging over Chiesa’s international commitment.
The Pirlo factor
However, Pirlo’s expected appointment changes the landscape significantly. The former Juventus manager worked with Chiesa during the 2020-21 season, the only campaign of Pirlo’s tenure in Turin. That year proved the winger’s most prolific in Serie A colours, yielding 25 goal contributions—14 strikes and 11 assists across 43 appearances in all competitions.
The pair reportedly maintain strong mutual respect, with La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighting their positive relationship as a key factor in the recall debate. Unlike the recent past, where fitness concerns dominated the narrative, Pirlo’s familiarity with Chiesa’s capabilities could override those doubts.
Italy’s struggles in wide areas during recent qualifying campaigns have amplified calls for Chiesa’s reintegration. With the national team entering a new cycle under fresh leadership, the Liverpool wide man’s creative output and proven chemistry with the incoming coach offer a compelling case for selection. The coming weeks at Coverciano will reveal whether this renewed connection translates to a recall, ending Chiesa’s year-long absence from La Nazionale.