International manager brands Liverpool attacker a "failure" amid rumours of a snub for March's fixtures

Chiesa is yet to make his full Premier League debut, being handed just three substitute appearances by Arne Slot, in what has been another frustrating campaign for the Euro 2020 winner.

The 27-year-old played 90 minutes in Liverpool's 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle at the start of month, and was one of a number of players to put in a disappointing performance, leading to him being overlooked in the four matches since.

Chiesa is unlikely to feature in Wednesday night's clash with Newcastle United either, with his international manager set to snub him for the two-legged UEFA Nations League quarter-final with Germany next month.

Spalletti refuses to hold back in Chiesa assessment

Speaking to the Italian press near his home in Tuscany, Spalletti was quizzed on the potential makeup of his squad next month, and about what he thinks of some players suffering from indifferent form.

One of those was unsurprisingly Chiesa, and Spalletti did not hold back in his assessment of the winger's move to Anfield.

Spalletti's stance was clear, stating: "Unfortunately, he has failed in England, he has only played 25 minutes, he must be more consistent."

Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Chiesa will be left out of Spalletti's squad next month, even though the former Napoli manager is expected to name a squad larger than 23, so he can have a look at some potential newcomers to the setup.

The former Juve man has not pulled on the Azzurri shirt since their dismal exit from Euro 2024 against Switzerland in Berlin, with persistent injury setbacks ruling him out of the group phase of the UEFA Nations League, and a lack of form now looks set to rule him out of contention again.

Will Chiesa leave Liverpool in the summer?

Spalletti was not shy in speaking out against Chiesa staying at Liverpool recently, as he pleaded for the player to return to Serie A during the recent January transfer window.

Playing in a different environment, and only as a bit-part player was discouraged by Spalletti, who told Vivo Azzurro: "I would be very much in favour of having Chiesa under our watch in terms of the level of our football, to reintegrate him.

"We're hoping that Chiesa can play with more continuity and that we can see him train and play regularly."

Chiesa's agent rubbished that talk though, stating his client will stay at Liverpool for the foreseeable future, but with opportunities in the team now looking even more unlikely following the Plymouth debacle, a return could be on the horizon.

Written by

Andrew Delaney