Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has said that it is Federico Chiesa’s “problem” that he turned down an international call-up.
The Liverpool forward was revealed to have rejected Gattuso’s request for him to join the squad for the recent World Cup qualifying matches, where the Azzurri secured a place in the play-offs.
The 2006 winners will take on Northern Ireland in the ‘Path A’ semi-finals of the European play-offs, and they could face Wales in the final for a place at next year’s World Cup.
Gattuso, the former AC Milan midfielder, led his nation to a 2-0 win over Moldova and a 4-1 victory in Norway to round off their qualifying campaign, but the three points in Scandinavia were not enough to leapfrog Erling Haaland and co. to the top of Group I.
Speaking afterwards, Gattuso was asked about Chiesa’s absence from the squad.
“You know this very well, you always ask the same questions,” he said to Sky Italia.
“I call[ed] Chiesa. I call him before every international break.
“The problem isn't Gattuso or his coaching staff. It's his problem. Not ours. I keep giving you the same answer.”
Before Italy’s two wins, Gattuso had said that he was in constant discussion with the Reds star and that he “respects” the winger’s decision.
“We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can't say anything else.”
