Federico Chiesa has been dropped by Italy after being deemed unfit to play in the Azzurri’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland, the country’s football federation (FIGC) said on Monday.
Liverpool forward Chiesa «was not deemed available for the next two matches», the FIGC said, referring to Thursday’s semi-final with Northern Ireland and a possible final against Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina next week.
Italy take on Northern Ireland in Bergamo as they desperately try to get through the play-offs and avoid missing out on their third consecutive World Cup final.
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The FIGC did not specify the 28-year-old’s injury, the latest in a long list that has hampered the career of one of Italy’s brightest talents.
Chiesa, a back-up player at Liverpool, was a star in Italy’s 2020 European Championship victory but has not played for his country since their dismal defense of the European title in 2024.
Bologna’s Nicolo Cambiaghi has been called up to replace Chiesa, while Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni and Atalanta striker Gianluca Scamacca are both trying to shake off the blows ahead of Thursday’s match.
Published on March 23, 2026
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