Gianluigi Buffon makes honest admission about Federico Chiesa's refusal to accept Italy call-up

Italy icon Gianluigi Buffon said that the Azzurri are 'waiting' for Federico Chiesa following the Liverpool winger repeatedly declined call-ups from national team coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Federico Chiesa's continuous rejection of national team call-ups

Since June 2024, Chiesa has not played for Italy in a single game. Amid his refusal to accept call-ups to the national team, Gattuso explained after the draw for the World Cup play-offs in Zurich on Thursday that Chiesa has a problem to deal with.

Since joining Liverpool in 2024, Chiesa has struggled for regular playing time and started just two matches for the Reds in 13 appearances in the ongoing campaign.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Buffon, who is Italy's current delegation chief, confirmed that they are awaiting Chiesa's comeback to the national side, although he accepted that the main focus is on the team as a whole.

“We need to bring back all our best players: if someone stands out, there's no reason to hold them back, especially because we need them. We're waiting for Chiesa: there are few like him in Europe. But Rino didn't leave anyone who deserved it at home. I repeat: it's the group that counts,” Buffon said.

Federico Chiesa's record with the national team

So far, Federico Chiesa has played 51 games for the national team, amassing seven goals and eight assists. He made his debut for the Azzurri in 2018 and played a pivotal role in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph.

Gennaro Gattus's blunt opinion on Federico Chiesa's refusal to play for Italy

Gattuso did not mince his words when questioned by Chiesa's absence from the national team, saying it is his problem if he is not in the team for the world cup qualifiers.

Chiesa's late move to Liverpool in the summer of 2024 was initially used as an explanation for his absence from Nations League and World Cup qualifying matches. He was said to be working on his fitness levels after missing pre-season and was also settling into a new club and a new league.

“You know it well. You know Chiesa’s problem. You always ask me the same thing. I call Chiesa in every call-up; I always talk to him. The problem is not Gattuso or his staff; he has a problem, not us. You know it well. You always ask the same thing, and I always answer the same,” Gattuso told Sky Italia.

Even after the limited playing time under Arne Slot this season at Liverpool, Chiesa has amassed two goals and three assists.