Chiesa Ghosts Italy for Anfield Duty While Inter Plot Spurs Goalkeeping Heist

Ever had that mate who bails on lads' night out but miraculously turns up for the big match? Step forward Federico Chiesa, the Italian flair merchant who's got Azzurri fans spitting feathers.

The Liverpool winger was named in Italy's squad for their crucial World Cup play-off a couple of weeks back. But before he could even lace up for a training session, he was back on Merseyside, citing fitness niggles. Fast forward to now, and Arne Slot confirms he's ready to dazzle against Manchester City in the FA Cup today. Italian rags like Gazzetta, Repubblica, and Corriere della Sera are buzzing with backlash, and X is a warzone of memes and moans.

Azzurri Agony: Why Ditch the National Team?

Italy's gaffer Gennaro Gattuso – who's since packed his bags – spilled the beans. Chiesa wasn't just carrying a knock; he admitted he wasn't mentally primed for international duty. Ouch. Meanwhile, other lads like Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario and Atalanta's Gianluca Scamacca dragged their battered bodies to cover anyway.

Chiesa's been sidelined for Italy since that Euro 2024 heartbreak against Switzerland. Fair play to the FIGC for transparency, but fans are howling: if you're crocked enough to skip the Azzurri, how come you're sprinting down the wing for the Reds? Liverpool supporters, though, are rubbing their hands – especially after his cameos in the Prem, like that scrap at St James' Park versus Newcastle.

As Lorenzo Bettoni at Football Italia notes, it's not just the injury; there's a deeper vibe check failing here. Chiesa, the ex-Juve and Fiorentina flyer, might be prioritising club over country in this high-stakes season. Slot's got him primed, and with City looming, Anfield could be his redemption stage.

Inter's Bold Bid: Vicario to Snub Spurs?

Switching gears to the transfer tittle-tattle that's got Serie A salivating. Inter Milan are making moves for Tottenham's Italian shot-stopper Guglielmo Vicario. Sporting director Piero Ausilio jetted to London to grease the wheels, per reports from CalcioMercato.it.

Vicario's on the Nerazzurri wishlist for ages, valued at a snippy €15-20 million. That's pocket change for Inter, who fancy him as the long-term heir to Yann Sommer. The Swiss veteran has been rock-solid, but at 37, it's time for fresh legs between the sticks.

Sam Wilson from Football Italia highlights how Vicario's Premier League nous – think those clutch saves in north London derbies – makes him primo material for the San Siro. With Italy's World Cup woes fresh (and their keeper debate raging post-elimination), a switch back home keeps him in the national team picture, whoever grabs the reins.

Spurs might balk, but Vicario's established himself as a Prem reliable since his move. Inter smell blood in a busy summer window – could this be the coup that fortifies their title defence?

Pub Verdict: Loyalty or Logic?

Chiesa's saga screams 'club first' in a World Cup year – bold or bonkers? Italian punters reckon he's lost his edge, but give the lad a break; mental freshness matters in the grind. Over in Milan, Inter's Vicario chase is pure chess: snag a Prem-proven gem cheap and future-proof the goalmouth.

Football's a circus, innit? One day you're hero, next you're zero. Chiesa could silence critics with a City masterclass, while Vicario dreams of Nerazzurri glory. Grab a pint; this Italian exodus from the Prem is just heating up.

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