Chiesa’s Liverpool Challenges Signal Potential Return to Serie A

omidbasir- Federico Chiesa’s tenure at Liverpool has encountered significant challenges, as the winger was once again relegated to a brief appearance during a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest over the weekend. He played merely 22 minutes, further illustrating a frustrating trend this season under manager Slot. This match marked his ninth appearance in the Premier League, yet he has yet to be included in the starting lineup, with all his complete matches occurring in the Carabao Cup.

Despite Liverpool’s evident inconsistencies in the wide areas, Slot has provided no indication that Chiesa is part of his preferred rotation. The manager has consistently opted for Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, with Hugo Ekitike also receiving playing time on the wings. This lack of consistent involvement hampers Chiesa’s ability to establish rhythm and match fitness.

Chiesa’s limited playing time has attracted considerable scrutiny in Italy, where analysts and fans alike believe he deserves greater responsibility on the field. Reports from TuttoJuve indicate that several Serie A clubs have approached both Chiesa’s representatives and Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window. Inter Milan and AC Milan are identified as the frontrunners, as both clubs view Chiesa as a potential asset to enhance their attacking depth. Additionally, Roma has expressed interest, expanding the list of possible destinations as the winger seeks a situation that guarantees more playing time and a definitive role.

Having joined Liverpool in the summer of 2024, Chiesa’s transfer was initially regarded as a prudent investment given his talent and potential. However, his time in England has been marred by recurring fitness issues, limiting his impact and consistent contributions. Without regular game time, his confidence has waned, raising questions about whether a return to Italy might be the best path forward for his career.

Slot’s tactical approach has compounded Chiesa’s difficulties. The Dutch manager’s system relies heavily on high-intensity pressing and continual off-the-ball movement, areas where Chiesa has struggled due to persistent muscular injuries. Although his productivity per minute remains commendable, his lack of sustained involvement has rendered him unable to meaningfully compete with Liverpool’s established forwards. As the season progresses, it is becoming increasingly clear that Chiesa is not integral to Slot’s long-term plans.

This predicament is also raising alarms within the Italian national team setup, where regular minutes are deemed crucial ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs. A January transfer, particularly back to Serie A, is viewed as the most favorable scenario for Chiesa to reclaim a prominent role and restore his standing with the Azzurri.

Chiesa’s challenges at Liverpool underscore broader issues that predate his Premier League move. Following a significant ACL injury in 2022, he has struggled to regain the explosive consistency that once made him one of Europe’s most formidable wide forwards. His time at Juventus was similarly fraught with inconsistency, and his move to England was anticipated to provide a fresh start—an expectation that has not yet been fulfilled.

Injuries continue to be a critical aspect of his narrative. Since joining Liverpool, Chiesa has missed substantial playing time, including over two months across 14 games in the 2024/25 season due to muscular problems. Even when fit, he has yet to start a league match this season, featuring in only eight Premier League games from the bench and accumulating just over 100 minutes. Although he has scored twice, his lack of regularity has hindered his chances of securing a place in Slot’s preferred XI.

This instability has fueled growing speculation surrounding a potential mid-season transfer. Inter Milan reportedly views him as an ideal depth option, capable of injecting unpredictability into Simone Inzaghi’s attack. AC Milan also considers him a valuable addition alongside Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. Furthermore, Roma is monitoring the situation, underscoring that Chiesa’s value in Italy remains high despite his struggles in England.

Liverpool’s position ahead of January will likely depend on whether Slot envisions a future role for Chiesa beyond sporadic appearances. If his limited involvement persists, the club may be amenable to facilitating a loan with an option or obligation to purchase, particularly with multiple Serie A clubs ready to negotiate. With Chiesa eager for more playing time and Italy’s coaching staff advocating for a move that assures regular minutes, indications suggest that momentum is building toward an imminent exit.