![Skilled winger Federico Chiesa was sent back to Liverpool upon briefly rejoining the national team for the first time after an almost two-year absence. 'He had some minor [physical] issues,' Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso says. Federico Chiesa of Liverpool pictured during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match against visiting Galatasaray SK at Anfield on March 18, 2026 in England.](https://i.cbc.ca/ais/5a52e8c6-cbb4-4d04-b4d2-d29e55629d6b,1774285018322/full/max/0/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%2820%2C0%2C1139%2C640%29%3BResize%3D%28620%29)
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso acknowledged only “someone without blood running through their veins” wouldn’t feel nervous as the Azzurri attempt to avoid failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
![Skilled winger Federico Chiesa was sent back to Liverpool upon briefly rejoining the national team for the first time after an almost two-year absence. 'He had some minor [physical] issues,' Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso says. Federico Chiesa of Liverpool pictured during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match against visiting Galatasaray SK at Anfield on March 18, 2026 in England.](https://i.cbc.ca/ais/5a52e8c6-cbb4-4d04-b4d2-d29e55629d6b,1774285018322/full/max/0/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%2820%2C0%2C1139%2C640%29%3BResize%3D%28620%29)
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso acknowledged only “someone without blood running through their veins” wouldn’t feel nervous as the Azzurri attempt to avoid failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.