Spalletti ‘very favourable’ to Chiesa Serie A return from Liverpool

After Italy coach Luciano Spalletti said he would be ‘very favourable’ to Federico Chiesa returning to Serie A, the Liverpool winger is linked with Napoli, Villarreal and Besiktas.

The former Juventus and Fiorentina man made the transfer to Anfield over the summer for €12m plus €3m in performance-related bonuses, but has barely set foot on the pitch due to the on-going fitness issues that dogged his career.

There has been talk of a January loan to get more regular playing time and he is now facing pressure from Italy boss Spalletti.

“I would be very favourable towards having Chiesa back in Italian football, so I could keep him under observation, to help him settle back in at this level,” Spalletti told Vivo Azzurro TV.

“There aren’t many players who are capable of look you in the eye and break through defensive lines one-on-one.”

Spalletti pushing Chiesa to leave Liverpool

Napoli are the Serie A side who have been most closely associated with Chiesa, although they would likely only be able to take him on loan from Liverpool and are aiming for something more permanent to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Roma and Milan were also linked, while Calciomercato.com note that other alternatives abroad include Villarreal in Spain and Turkish team Besiktas.