Liverpool have been linked with Juventus winger Federico Chiesa all summer.
The winger has developed into one of the most exciting forwards in European football but missed the opening chunk of last season after recovering from a knee ligament injury. Chiesa, 25, finished the campaign with 10 goal involvements across all competitions, but was often forced to play either as a wingback or second striker to fit into Massimiliano Allegri’s preferred 3-5-2 system.
Liverpool have already added to their midfield ranks this summer and have a range of attacking options, but may be looking to fill the void left by Roberto Firmino’s exit. Reports in Italy have claimed that Liverpool are “leading the race” to sign Chiesa, with Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that Juventus have put a €60m (£51m) price tag on the Italy international.
Here is everything you need to know about Chiesa:
READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have hinted at John Henry's next move at Liverpool
READ MORE: Liverpool have just struck a £95m deal perfect for their own Phil Foden plan
The son of former Italy international Enrico, who was a prolific striker in his own right, it was through his dad’s playing career that Federico began his bond with boyhood club Fiorentina. When the elder Cheisa was asked who should replace the outgoing Gabriel Batistuta in 2000, a young Federico told TV cameras: “Me!”
Prior to that, the Juve winger has memories of playing with new Inter Milan signing Marcus Thuram at Parma as their fathers helped the club win the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup. However, Chiesa refused to solely rely on his dreams of being a footballer and aimed to study physics at university, if he had not earned a pro contract.
Fast forward a few years and Chiesa was making his Fiorentina debut as an 18-year-old under Paulo Sousa in 2016. Improving year-on-year for a club that continually just missed out on European football, the 2019/20 season saw him score 11 goals and provide nine assists in 37 games, leading Juventus to seal a two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy for €40 million plus €10 million in add-ons.
Looking back at the club’s decision to sign Chiesa, Juventus’ former chief football officer Fabio Paratici said: “We were always sure about Chiesa. He gives his all in training and is always super concentrated. It’s one of the best attributes a player can have.”
His first year in Turin was the only season not disrupted by his long-term injury and saw him register 10 goals and 14 assists under Andrea Pirlo. Chiesa’s form earned him a place in Italy’s victorious Euro 2020 squad, with manager Roberto Mancini labelling him Serie A’s “most improved player” ahead of the tournament.
The winger scored twice and featured in every game at Euro 2020, starting the final against England, as Italy won the competition for the first time since 1968. Chiesa has often flourished for the national team under Mancini’s mentorship, who was a teammate of Enrico Chiesa during his playing days.
Making his long-awaited return for Italy during the June international break, the winger said: “It must be said that I was absent for ten months and then I missed March because of other problems. I missed the national team because it was the one that allowed me to emerge at a high level. I thank Mancini who has always trusted me.”
