Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has turned down a call-up to the Italy senior squad, manager Gennaro Gattuso has revealed.
Chiesa was brought on as an 83rd-minute substitute during Liverpool's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday.
The winger had little time to make an impact on proceedings, with Reds fans having complained that he was not brought on earlier in the match.
The 27-year-old has already made more Premier League appearances this season than last - eight compared to six - and scored two more goals, but all of his appearances have been from the bench.
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His lack of game time hasn't taken him out of the Italy picture, however, and Azzurri boss Gattuso attempted to call him up for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway.
Italy occupy the play-off spot in Group I at present and are three points behind Norway, but have a goal difference of +10 compared to +26 for Norway.
Therefore, they would need to win both qualifiers and hope that Norway fail to defeat Estonia, who they face in Oslo on November 13.
But speaking in a press conference on Monday, AC Milan legend Gattuso confirmed that Italy will have to navigate both matches without Chiesa.
"I often talk to him," he told reporters (via Football Italia). "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 asked specifically whether Chiesa had chosen not to be involved, he replied: "Yes. It's already the fourth or fifth time that I'm explaining this."
The reason behind the withdrawal of Chiesa - who hasn't played for Italy since October 2024 - is unclear at this stage.
He has had difficulties with injuries in recent seasons, including a 14-game absence for Liverpool last season due to a muscle issue, but has stayed injury-free so far this season.
His lack of involvement means he will get extra time on the training pitch with Liverpool as Arne Slot's side look to turn around their recent horror run of form.
The Reds have lost five of their last six Premier League matches, and six of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Despite his lack of game time, Chiesa won Liverpool's Player of the Month award for September - an award voted for by supporters.
He told Sky Sports last week: "Last year, I didn't play that much, so having this support back from the fans was a good reason to try to give more, which I do on a daily basis, but having the support from the fans at your back helps you to give more.
"I think they like me because I do give my best. Every time I play, I try to give my best. I think I show it. I'm happy."
Topics: Liverpool, Manchester City, Football, Italy, Premier League, Arne Slot
Ryan Smart