Mancini Outlines Exact Path for Winger's International Return
Italy head coach Roberto Mancini addressed the media on Monday at the FIGC training centre in Coverciano, Florence. The briefing centered on squad updates and player selection criteria ahead of the national team’s upcoming fixtures.
Mancini confirmed that 29-year-old winger Federico Chiesa remains in his long-term plans for Italy, provided the forward establishes regular playing time and full physical condition at Liverpool. Chiesa has not featured for the national team in over two years, with his last appearance coming in the Euro 2024 round of 16 match against Switzerland.
Federico Chiesa
playerAddressing the current physical state and national team selection status of the Liverpool attacker, Mancini detailed his recent communication with the player.
“I spoke to Federico many times, also recently. He’s not playing right now and must regain fitness, but he is 29, still in his physical maturity; I think he can return soon.”
The winger’s availability has been severely limited during the 2026-27 campaign following early-season physical setbacks. A back injury ruled Chiesa out of Liverpool’s first five Premier League fixtures of the term. Since returning to availability, his action has been restricted to a single two-minute substitute appearance late in a 3-0 loss against Manchester City.
Liverpool
clubThe selection threshold set by Mancini presents a distinct workload challenge given Chiesa’s current involvement at club level. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot left the forward off the club’s registered squad list for the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase, limiting his competitive avenues to domestic fixtures. Chiesa has also been omitted from the matchday squad in three of Liverpool’s last four games across all competitions.
The national team staff will continue monitoring the winger’s physical markers and match involvement ahead of future international selection windows.