Bonucci: What Chiesa told Gattuso about turning down Italy call-up

Gennaro Gattuso’s assistant Leonardo Bonucci insists Federico Chiesa wants to be ‘fully fit’ to play for Italy again: ‘He could be part of the team for the playoffs…’

Bonucci, one of the assistants of Italy coach Gattuso, spoke about Chiesa’s possible return to the national team in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.

Direct contact between Chiesa and Gattuso

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

The Liverpool winger has rejected an Azzurri call-up more than once since Gattuso was appointed as La Nazionale’s boss in June 2025.

“There was direct contact from the coach, as it happened with other players who had been part of the team,” Bonucci explained.

Bonucci: Chiesa could be part of ‘broader’ Italy group

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Leonardo Bonucci of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“We monitor all the players in Italy and abroad. The coach had a concrete and direct contact with Federico, who said he preferred continuing on his path and that he wants to be fully fit to be available for the national team. He’s part of a broader group that could be called up for the playoffs, but this is something we’ll discuss at the beginning of February, hoping that all those called up will be fully fit.”

Chiesa has not played for the Italy national team since the 2024 Euros, when he started in the Azzurri’s 2-0 loss against Switzerland in the Round of 16.

The former Juventus and Fiorentina star has made 51 appearances with the Italy national team, scoring seven goals and winning the 2020 Euros.

Chiesa struggled with injuries in his first season at Liverpool in 2024-25, but has already grabbed two goals and three assists in 14 appearances with the Reds this season, despite rarely starting.