Estonia - Italy: How great it would be to have Chiesa

10/10/2025 07:14:00 ceshi

Two weeks ago, Federico Chiesa came off the bench to score the equalizing goal for Liverpool at Crystal Palace, his second goal of the season, but this did not lead to a call-up to the Italy national team this time.

Italy traveled to Tallinn to face Estonia at a time when direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup seems quite distant. Norway currently leads Group I by 6 points with a superior goal difference (+21 compared to Italy’s +5), making the battle for first place nearly settled. Rather than hopelessly chasing goal difference, this is an opportunity for Gattuso to use the remaining matches to test tactics and polish the playing style, preparing for the tricky playoff stage.

In the first leg at home, which was also Gattuso’s debut as head coach, Italy crushed Estonia 5-0. However, it’s important to remember that all five goals were scored in the second half, following a very frustrating first half. This shows that when Estonia defends deep on home soil, Italy could face significant challenges. This scenario is foreseeable, as a weaker team like Estonia will do everything possible just to secure a draw.

Chiesa is seeking a comeback, but not yet for Italy.

To break through defenses like that, the Azzurri need attacking solutions full of unpredictability. This is when the absence of creative stars becomes more regrettable than ever. Matteo Politano, an important figure on the right wing, had to withdraw due to injury. It would be so much better if Italy could count on Chiesa in this situation. The Liverpool player is gradually securing a role in coach Arne Slot’s plans as a "super substitute" ready to score crucial goals.

This benefits the entire Italy team, but Gattuso said that Chiesa himself voluntarily declined the call-up this time because he did not feel at 100% fitness. Apparently, Chiesa wants to concentrate fully on proving himself in England before returning to the Azzurri, even though the later he returns, the fewer chances he will have to participate in the 2026 World Cup if Italy qualifies. This is unfortunate because Chiesa was the hero who led Italy to the EURO 2020 championship and despite a significant decline due to injury, he remains a big hope for the fans.

Although not aiming for a large-margin win, securing 3 points against Estonia is still a must. A victory would not only help keep alive hopes of narrowing the gap or at least maintaining distance from Norway, who face a challenging match against Israel amid sensitive political circumstances, but more importantly, it would maintain morale and confidence. If the match goes well, it will also give coach Gattuso a chance to debut newcomers like Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Nicolo Cambiaghi, continuing the process of experimenting and building the squad for the future.

V.N

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