Eight outfield players hope for Italy call-up but Chiesa ‘failed’ at Liverpool | OneFootball

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, eight players hope to be included in the Italy squad in March, while Federico Chiesa will likely be snubbed again: ‘Unfortunately, he’s only played 25 minutes,’ said Luciano Spalletti.

On Monday, the Azzurri CT met Italian media at his home in Montaione, Tuscany, sharing his views on the state of Italian football and his possible decisions for the Nations League quarter-finals against Germany in March.

According to Gazzetta, the Azzurri boss will likely call up Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano again to replace Raoul Bellanova and Nicolò Savona.

Spalletti said he would call more than just 22 or 23 players for upcoming games against Germany.

Eight players hope for Italy call-up but Chiesa ‘failed’ at Liverpool

epa11726490 Italy’s head coach Luciano Spalletti reacts during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Italy and France at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 17 November 2024. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa is not expected to be part of the team. The ex-Juventus star played his last international game against Switzerland at the Euros last summer.

“Unfortunately, he has failed in England. He has only played 25 minutes,” Spalletti said.

“He must be more consistent. He needs more defensive phase.”

Chiesa has collected 10 appearances across all competitions at Liverpool but has only played 25 minutes in the Premier League.

Nicolò Zaniolo is also unlikely to be part of the squad, while Tommaso Baldanzi and Cesare Casadei could be given a chance in midfield.

One between Niccolò Pisilli and Manuel Locatelli will take the other spot in the middle of the park, while Michael Folorunsho or Lorenzo Lucca will be given a chance up front.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, February 25, 2025, page 31