Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has refused to join Italy for their crucial World Cup qualifying matches, with Gennaro Gattuso revealing the player cited personal "problems" as the reason for his withdrawal.
The Azzurri boss confirmed during Monday's press conference that the 27-year-old had turned down the opportunity to represent his country in the upcoming fixtures against Moldova and Norway.
Gattuso, who played a key playing role in Italy's World Cup victory in 2006, told reporters on Monday: "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."
When pressed by journalists to clarify whether the decision originated from Chiesa, Gattuso responded: "Yes. It's already the fourth or fifth time that I'm explaining this."
Italy currently sit in the play-off position in Group I, trailing Norway by three points with an inferior goal difference of +10 compared to their rivals' +26.
Italy must secure victories in both qualifiers whilst hoping Norway drop points against Estonia to have any chance of automatic qualification.
Chiesa's absence leaves Italy without a key attacking option as they attempt to reach their first World Cup since 2014.
Federico Chiesa has declined to join Italy's squad for their crucial World Cup qualifying matches
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Chiesa came on as an 83rd-minute replacement during Liverpool's 3-0 loss to Manchester City on Sunday, with supporters expressing frustration that manager Arne Slot failed to introduce him earlier.
Despite limited playing time, Chiesa has featured in eight Premier League matches this campaign, surpassing his six appearances from the previous season, whilst contributing two goals and three assists exclusively from the bench.
The former Juventus player claimed Liverpool's Player of the Month award for September, telling Sky Sports: "Every time I play, I try to give my best. I think I show it. I'm happy."
Chiesa's withdrawal marks another instance of his unavailability for international duty, having last represented Italy in October 2024.
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Gennaro Gattuso confirmed during Monday's press conference that the 27-year-old forward had turned down the opportunity to represent his country in the upcoming fixtures against Moldova and Norway
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He previously declined selection in September for matches against Belgium and Israel.
At the time, Gattuso revealed: "I speak every week with Fede and he knows what I think of him, but I also have to respect what the player tells me.
"He does not feel at 100 per cent and wants to be at 100 per cent, that is the truth."
The 28-year-old's international career has stalled since helping Italy win the Euro 2020 tournament
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His international career has stalled since helping Italy win the European Championship in 2021, with injuries and inconsistent form limiting his involvement.
Italy has experienced a period of extreme highs and lows in recent years, marked by a triumphant victory at the Euros, followed by a failure to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Under former coach Roberto Mancini, Italy set a new world record for the most consecutive matches without defeat, with a 37-game unbeaten streak from October 2018 to October 2021.
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