Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has received a call-up from Italy for the first time in nearly two years for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup playoffs, as the Azzurri aim to avoid missing a third consecutive tournament.
Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso announced a 28-player roster on Friday.
The four-time World Cup winners must secure a victory against Northern Ireland in the playoffs on Thursday in Bergamo, followed by a win against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away five days later, to prevent a gap of at least 16 years without participating in soccer’s premier event.
Chiesa, who contributed to Italy’s triumph in the European Championship in 2021, last appeared for the national team during Euro 2024, in the defeat to Switzerland in the round of 16.
He transferred from Juventus to Liverpool in August 2024 but has faced challenges in securing playing time, with only one Premier League start this season. Chiesa began his professional career at Fiorentina.
The 28-year-old forward has become a fan favorite at Liverpool due to his energetic work ethic and enthusiastic demeanor.
Cagliari defender Marco Palestra has been included in the Italy squad for the first time. Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini and Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli return after nearly two years away from the national team.
Italy was eliminated in the playoffs by Sweden prior to the 2018 World Cup and by North Macedonia in 2022.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli).
Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Diego Coppola (Paris FC), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Leonardo Spinazzola (Napoli).
Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle).
Forwards: Federico Chiesa (Liverpool), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta).
