Story perspectives

Chiesa Awaits Italy Return as World Cup Playoffs Loom

10/14/2025

Summary

Story summary

Federico Chiesa (Italy international) remains absent from Italy's national team since joining Liverpool in August 2024.
Gennaro Gattuso has not selected him, citing a mutual decision about readiness.
Federico Bernardeschi (former teammate) supports Chiesa's return, highlighting his talent.
Italy sits second in Group I of World Cup qualifiers, needing a point for a playoff.
Rafael Leao (Portugal international) left Portugal's camp for precautionary calf-injury recovery ahead of Milan's match against Fiorentina.

History

Historical Context

Italy's failure to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup marked a significant decline for a historically strong football nation, which had previously won the tournament in 1934 and 1938. The Italian Football Federation faced backlash after earning only four points in their qualifying group, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining competitive performance, as seen in their current struggles in Group I.

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Story summary

Federico Chiesa (Italy international) remains absent from Italy's national team since joining Liverpool in August 2024.
Gennaro Gattuso has not selected him, citing a mutual decision about readiness.
Federico Bernardeschi (former teammate) supports Chiesa's return, highlighting his talent.
Italy sits second in Group I of World Cup qualifiers, needing a point for a playoff.
Rafael Leao (Portugal international) left Portugal's camp for precautionary calf-injury recovery ahead of Milan's match against Fiorentina.

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