Leonardo Bonucci Reveals Federico Chiesa’s 2026 World Cup Plans After Meeting With Azzurri Star
Federico Chiesa could be heading to the 2026 World Cup playoffs after an update from Leonardo Bonucci.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 02 December 2025
Leonardo Bonucci has explained the situation around Federico Chiesa, as the Azzurri star is pushing for a return in the 2026 World Cup playoffs.
Leonardo Bonucci Reveals Federico Chiesa World Cup Playoff Ambitions
Federico Chiesa has not donned the Azzurri jersey since June 2024 at the European Championships and was recently in the headlines for declining the opportunity to play for Italy in the nation’s final World Cup qualifiers.
The Italian has struggled to find regular playing time with Liverpool since signing in August 2024, failing to make a single start in the Premier League this season.
Despite this, Gennaro Gattuso was keen on including Chiesa in the Azzurri squad for Italy’s WC qualifier matches against Norway and Denmark in November.
Many were critical over Chiesa’s decision to refrain from playing for his national team, however, former Azzurri captain Leonardo Bonucci has revealed that the Liverpool star wants to return in time for the playoffs.
Bonucci said: “We monitor all the players in Italy and abroad. The coach had a concrete and direct contact with Federico, who said he preferred continuing on his path and that he wants to be fully fit to be available for the national team.
“He’s part of a broader group that could be called up for the playoffs, but this is something we’ll discuss at the beginning of February, hoping that all those called up will be fully fit.”
Chiesa will be looking to sort his club career before returning to the Azzurri camp and the Italian is one of many Premier League players to be linked with a Serie A move.
Roma have identified a duo of Premier League strikers, Inter Milan have targeted James Trafford and Chiesa has caught the eye of several Serie A sides.
Chiesa Set For Serie A Return
The 28-year-old left Italy’s top-flight in the 2024 summer window after spending eight seasons in Serie A, making 235 appearances during his spells with Fiorentina and Juventus.
Moving to England was meant to take Chiesa’s career to another level, but the switch to Liverpool has been a huge disappointment and the Italian is looking to make a move back to Serie A.
Making a return to Juventus appears to be the most likely outcome for Chiesa, as Jonathan David has attracted LaLiga interest and the Italian is being viewed as a replacement for the Canadian striker.
Luciano Spalletti has worked with the Liverpool star previously during his time as Azzurri manager and the Juventus boss is hoping to sign some reinforcements in January.
Chiesa has three-years remaining on his deal in Merseyside, but Liverpool are willing to let the Italian go in January for around €12m.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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