Buffon: Italy ‘waiting’ for Chiesa, ‘very few like him in Europe’

Italy Delegation Chief Gianluigi Buffon insists the Azzurri are ‘waiting’ for Federico Chiesa but warns that only ‘the group matters’ ahead of the World Cup play-off.

Italy are waiting for Chiesa’s return to the national team, Buffon confirmed in his latest interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

Chiesa rejected Italy call-ups

Italy’s forward #14 Federico Chiesa reacts during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Croatia and Italy at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig on June 24, 2024. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Liverpool winger has not played for the Azzurri since June 2024, when the national team was eliminated in the Round of 16 of the European Championships at the hands of Switzerland.

Chiesa has rejected national team call-ups under Gattuso, and the Azzurri CT reiterated earlier this week that the ex-Juventus star has a “problem” to deal with.

Buffon: ‘Very few’ like Chiesa in Europe

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 06: Gianluigi Buffon of Italy attends before the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between France and Italy at Parc des Princes stadium on September 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Buffon, Italy’s Delegation Chief, confirmed that the Azzurri are waiting for Chiesa, although Gattuso’s main focus is on the whole group.

“We have to bring back all the best players. If someone stands out, there’s no preclusion of any kind, also because we need them,” said the ex-goalkeeper.

“We’re waiting for Chiesa; there are very few like him in Europe, but Rino hasn’t left anyone at home who deserves to be here. The group matters.”

Italy will meet Northern Ireland in the World Cup playoff semifinal on March 26, 2026. The winner will face Wales or Bosnia Herzegovina in an away Final on March 30.

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