Federico Chiesa talks held as Liverpool star told what he must do to reclaim place in squad

Mancini says Chiesa must regain fitness to earn Italy recall; the Liverpool forward has started just once this season and faces competition from Hugo Ekitike's return.

Italy manager Roberto Mancini has held talks with Federico Chiesa and revealed the Liverpool forward is struggling with fitness issues. Chiesa has made just one substitute appearance for the Reds this season—a two-minute cameo in their 3-0 loss to Manchester City—and has been left out of matchday squads for three of the last four Premier League matches.

The 29-year-old missed the start of the campaign with a back injury and was omitted from Liverpool's Champions League squad.

Chiesa, a £10m signing from Juventus in summer 2024, made 50 appearances under former head coach Arne Slot but started only nine times. His opportunities have dried up further under Andoni Iraola, who has favoured youngster Lewis Koumas. With Hugo Ekitike due back from an Achilles injury midway through the season, Chiesa is likely to fall further down the pecking order.

Mancini, who managed Chiesa during Italy's Euro 2020 triumph, has kept the door open for an international return. Chiesa has not played for his country since Euro 2024's round-of-16 exit. Mancini said: "Right now, he isn't playing and needs to regain his fitness and get back into shape. But he is a 29-year-old player, still in the prime of his physical maturity, so I believe he can return with us very soon."