Italian media have already made their feelings clear on Federico Chiesa despite just three appearances for Liverpool
Federico Chiesa was Liverpool's only signing of the summer but things haven't gone to plan so far.
Media in Italy have already made their feelings clear on Federico Chiesa after a disappointing start to life at Liverpool.
Arne Slot's first transfer window at Anfield was a quiet one, with the Reds ultimately unsuccessful in their pursuit of top target Martin Zubimendi.
But late in the window the club moved for Italy international Federico Chiesa, who found himself surplus to requirements at Juventus, for a fee of £10 million.
Given the former Fiorentina man's quality and the price paid, many felt as though Liverpool had pulled off a fine bit of business.
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However, Chiesa has struggled to get going at Liverpool and has made just three appearance in all competitions - his last one coming in a 5-1 Carabao Cup win over West Ham.
The 26-year-old has struggled with injuries during his short stay on Merseyside and Slot spoke honestly but brutally about the "disappointment" involving Chiesa in his pre-RB Leipzig press conference.
The Italian media, namely newspaper Tuttosport, say Slot treated Chiesa "like a student who needs a lot of repetition" with his recent remarks.
However, the outlet goes on to explain that the agree with him discussing the different levels of intensity between football in Italy and England.
"He missed a complete pre-season, I said this many times, and going to a league where the intensity might even be higher than the Italian league," Slot said prior the 1-0 win in over Leipzig in the Champions League.
"We just faced the two Italian teams so I can say this now.
"So that makes it difficult for him to make the step towards the intensity levels the rest of the team is at at the moment."
Tuttosport concurs that in Italy "a different kind of football is played, certainly less intense, perhaps too fragmented, without a doubt exasperating from a tactical point of view" and that may be why Chiesa has struggled to adapt.
Chiesa is competing with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah and Luis Diaz for a spot on the wing under Slot and fresh reports claim he could be set for a premature return to Italy.
Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma are reported to be interested in Chiesa, who could be available on loan.
Topics: Italy, Liverpool, Federico Chiesa, Juventus
Josh Lawless