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Federico Chiesa remains a perpetual \u2018what if\u2019 player so far in his Premier League career. Liverpool\u2019s Italian winger has had far from a routine first year on Merseyside, and with next year\u2019s World Cup just over the horizon, a return to Italy in January might be ideal.<\/p>\n
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Liverpool signed Chiesa from Juventus in August of 2024 in a deal reportedly worth \u00a310 million plus \u00a32.5 million in add-ons. While it was understood that he was brought in for depth, as perhaps a shadow of the Euro infamy that often preludes his career, Chiesa was still known for the odd piece of flair and magic. Alas, he has still struggled within these permutations.<\/p>\n
On first glance, it\u2019d be easy to see how someone might confuse the 28-year-old for being a fair few years younger, with the amount his minutes have been managed. Approaching what should be his footballing peak, Chiesa needs more consistent chances, rather than facing an uphill battle against Liverpool\u2019s plethora of wing-based depth. Granted, though, he must overcome a well-known enemy \u2013 his own body.<\/p>\n
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Since joining the Reds, the Genoa-born winger has made a mere 30 appearances across all competitions, with four goals arriving in that time. His inconsistent form has largely been down to injuries, including minor muscle and knee complaints that kept him sidelined at the Anfield club for 73 days this year between late October and early December. Even then, a festive return was blighted by illness.<\/p>\n
A key point here is that this article is by no means slighting the 51-cap Italy international. No, it would simply be a joy to watch Chiesa return to a full bill of health to take centre stage in a side and league that suits him. That place surely remains the boot-shaped peninsula.<\/p>\n
With Serie A, Chiesa has an environment he knows he can thrive in. Whether that be the pace of play, the tactical style, or just familiarity, there will always be a strong link back to his homeland. In fact, mid-November saw rumblings rise from Italy about a potential return with none other than Scudetti holders Napoli courting Chiesa\u2019s services.<\/p>\n
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Reports at the time suggested that talks had started between the player\u2019s agent and the Neapolitans, and Azzurri manager Gennaro Gattuso even suggested that the winger should return to his native shores for consistent playing time.<\/p>\n
The fact that Antonio Conte\u2019s side is interested should come as not only a credit to Chiesa\u2019s abilities, but also his potential as a fine project player. This prospective move should reinject some excitement into a career that is at risk of stagnation, following the rebirth path of the likes of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, and of course, Scott McTominay.<\/p>\n
Granted, Chiesa wants to stay and fight: \u201cI want the competition! I want to play here and think it helps me become a better player.\u201d Yet, if the opportunities don\u2019t come, he must remember that old adage that all roads ultimately lead to home.<\/p>\n
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GIFN\u00a0|\u00a0Max Bradfield<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n