Federico Chiesa`s career has been exceptionally eventful, marked by significant highs and lows, a trajectory rarely seen in professional football today.
Once hailed as Italy`s next rising star, the winger Federico Chiesa, son of renowned striker Enrico Chiesa (who played for Italy, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and other clubs), began his career by emulating his father, proudly wearing Fiorentina`s distinctive purple jersey.
Yet, after dazzling in Serie A with Fiorentina, a transfer to Juventus followed by severe injuries led to a dramatic decline in his prominence. Last season, a move to Premier League powerhouse Liverpool offered a fresh start, but Chiesa found limited playing time as Arne Slot guided the team to domestic glory in his debut season on Merseyside.
This season began with a major setback for Chiesa, as he was initially left out of Arne Slot`s Champions League squad. However, in a swift turn of events, the Italian now finds himself reinstated and eligible for selection in Europe`s premier club competition, potentially making his debut as soon as next week`s match against Galatasaray.
Earlier this week, young Italian center-back Giovanni Leoni, who arrived at Liverpool from Parma this summer, sustained an ACL injury during the 2-1 Carabao Cup victory against Southampton. Consequently, on Friday afternoon, Liverpool confirmed Chiesa`s inclusion in the Champions League squad as Leoni`s replacement.
This turn of events represents a poignant Faustian bargain for Italian football: a promising young talent faces a significant career blow, with hopes for his swift and complete recovery, while simultaneously, a seasoned prospect gains a crucial opportunity to prove his capabilities for his club on Europe`s grandest stage.
Federico Chiesa – From Viola Wonderkid to Juventus Outcast
Chiesa made his senior breakthrough in the 2016-17 season with Fiorentina, nearly a decade after joining their youth academy in 2007. The energetic young Italian quickly became a formidable presence on the wing, particularly challenging Serie A`s often more experienced defenders.
Over the next three seasons, Chiesa consistently enhanced his performance at Fiorentina, highlighted by a memorable hat-trick in a dominant 7-1 Coppa Italia quarter-final victory against Roma in January 2019. His effectiveness in offensive transitions and his unparalleled ability in one-on-one duels for a player of his age were particularly noteworthy.
Unsurprisingly, major clubs soon sought his signature, and in 2020, Chiesa moved to Juventus on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy, reportedly worth €50-60 million including bonuses. Joining the Bianconeri fresh from their ninth successive Scudetto, it appeared to be an ideal career move.
His inaugural season in Turin was stellar, with the forward netting 14 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions, earning him a spot in Italy`s squad for the delayed Euro 2020 in summer 2021. Chiesa delivered an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, being selected for the Team of the Tournament and playing a pivotal role in the Azzurri`s victory. He contributed two crucial goals in the knockout stages against Austria and Spain and was named Man of the Match in Italy’s final group fixture against Wales.
However, the subsequent season brought Chiesa his most formidable challenge. Following a promising start, he sustained an ACL tear in January 2022 during a match against Roma, an injury that sidelined him for ten months. This particular setback is one he has, in truth, never completely recovered from – a worrying precedent given young Leoni`s recent devastating injury.
Chiesa did not return to action until November 2022, and despite a somewhat inconsistent finish to the 2022-23 season, he achieved a personal best of nine Serie A goals in the subsequent campaign. While a new contract with Juventus seemed plausible, the club`s post-injury reservations led to his sale to Liverpool in August 2024 for approximately €13 million.
Leoni Injury Presents Second Chance for Chiesa
Last season, Chiesa featured only 14 times for Liverpool across all competitions, mostly as a substitute, and scored just two goals. Despite widespread summer speculation about his potential departure after a single season, he remained on Merseyside. Although initially disappointed by his exclusion from the Champions League squad, Chiesa has since made a strong start to the current campaign, scoring his first Premier League goal with a late strike against Bournemouth in the season opener, and providing both assists in the recent Carabao Cup win against Southampton.
Current indications suggest a reinvigorated Chiesa, brimming with energy and eager to demonstrate his capabilities. It would be unjust to imply he is merely content with collecting his salary at Liverpool, as his recent performances clearly illustrate his commitment to giving his all for the club.
Although Chiesa`s inclusion in place of Leoni is not a direct like-for-like positional swap, the forward provides Arne Slot with an additional valuable attacking option. Slot favors high-energy, high-pressing wingers, and if the former Juventus player can maintain his fitness and enhance his physical condition, he could be an ideal fit. His strong adaptation to Slot`s tactical approach was evident against Southampton, where his relentless pressing contributed significantly to his assists.
This season appears to be a pivotal “make or break” period for Federico Chiesa. While challenging, the prospect of playing in the Champions League offers a crucial boost. Historically, in significant matches for Fiorentina, Juventus, and Italy, Chiesa has proven his ability to perform under pressure, precisely the kind of decisive player Liverpool requires—one who can either start or come off the bench and genuinely impact the game.
Nevertheless, consistent playing time, prudent injury management, and fan support will be vital for him to fully recapture his former brilliance. Should he remain a peripheral figure at Liverpool or endure another injury, his future at the club would seem uncertain, and it`s unlikely he would remain in England for an extended period.
With an upcoming World Cup and Azzurri head coach Gennaro Gattuso prioritizing in-form players for selection, Chiesa has every reason to be optimistic about his prospects this season.
