Speaking at the national team’s training base in Coverciano, Gattuso was directly questioned about the physical condition of Chiesa and the reasons behind his non-selection for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway.
The coach was quick to dismiss any concerns over Chiesa’s fitness or form, stating via TMW: “I speak with him often, and we must respect the choices, the issues that each of us has.”
Gattuso stressed that he must honor the player’s wishes: “I know well what we say to each other; I must respect what the player tells me. I can say no more, but the truth is this.”
When pressed further on whether it was specifically Chiesa’s choice, Gattuso confirmed: “Yes, yes… it’s an easy read.”
This clarification establishes that Chiesa’s current absence is entirely down to a personal decision by the player himself.