Since joining Liverpool Football Club last summer, Federico Chiesa has been a topic of debate amongst local and global fans alike.
The 2024/25 season saw the Italian mostly confined to the bench as his first few months at Anfield were spent getting back to match fitness following some niggling injuries.
While his appearances have ticked up slightly this season, he is still very much on the periphery of Arne Slot's plans, despite typically playing well when given the opportunity. As a result, he has seen his chances with the Italian national team dry up due to lack of true game time.
This makes the news that came out on Monday even a little more surprising.
Chiesa says "No"
Italy national team manager Gennaro Gattuso confirmed that Liverpool's No. 14 had rejected the call-up for November internationals against Moldova and Norway.
Speaking to Mail Sport, the Italian legend would not dive too deeply into the conversation that took place between the two.
""I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions and problems that each of us has. We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else.”"Gennaro Gattuso on Chiesa via Mail Sport
Without having further information and details, one could only speculate as to why a now seemingly fit Chiesa might have rejected the chance to return to the Italy setup for the first time since making the move to the Reds.
From a club perspective, it's probably a win-win scenario. If Chiesa gets the call and joins up with the national team and gets substantial minutes, then great, he secured vital match fitness.
Yet, on the other hand, by choosing to stay in England, he takes away any injury risk over the international break and can focus on his club football to make sure he is ready when called.
Not a tactical issue?
One cannot point to a tactical discrepancy between the two as Gattuso has turned Italy into a super aggressive attacking side that is not anywhere like the player that he was in his prime.
A player like Chiesa would surely thrive in this kind of system with so much freedom to get forward and fire shots away. He's shown this season to be in a confident mood whenever he gets on the ball and this iteration of the Italian setup could really suit his abilities.
It'll be something to keep an eye on going forward on if there is a personal rift between player and manager or if it's simply fitness management from Chiesa and his team.
For now, Chiesa spurned an opportunity to play for his country and it remains to be seen when he will reappear in the famed blue.