Liverpool’s record signing, Alexander Isak, opened his goal account with a goal in the Carabao Cup against Southampton. The first person he looked for was Federico Chiesa, who played a key role in Isak’s debut by intercepting a pass and assisting his teammate.In the second half, Chiesa assisted Hugo Ekitike for another crucial goal. However, Ekitike was sent off for celebrating by taking off his shirt, which coach Arne Slot regretted.
Chiesa, after an anterior cruciate ligament injury to Giovanni Leoni, could have more opportunities in the Champions League. The Italian player, who suffered a similar injury in 2022, could be key in guiding his compatriot in his rehabilitation.After a difficult debut season at Anfield, Chiesa’s redemption in the Champions League could be the boost that ignites his career at Liverpool.I’m old-fashioned, I’m 47 years old and maybe I’m old. I haven’t played at this level, but I did score some goals and if I had scored a goal like this, I would have turned around and gone to Federico Chiesa and said: “This goal is all for you, this is not for me”.
Arne Slot, Liverpool coach
His passion for football led him to begin his youth career at US Settignanese.After five years in Settignanese, Chiesa joined Fiorentina, the club his father represented with distinction. He debuted with the first team in 2016 and played over 150 matches before signing for Juventus.In the summer of 2021, Chiesa scored for Italy in the European Championship, following in his father’s footsteps.However, an anterior cruciate ligament injury marked the end of his time in Turin.Despite scoring nine goals in 33 Serie A matches in 2023-24, the arrival of new coach Thiago Motta relegated Chiesa to the “bomb squad” before joining Liverpool.My mother always told me: “If you get good grades in school, you’ll have good results in football and if you have good results in football, then you’ll have good grades in school”. They are complementary. In the modern world, education is key. It helps you get ahead, with the media pressure in my case, for example, since I am a footballer. I am able to rationalize things. I can keep my head on straight and focus on the real issues.
Federico Chiesa
However, Chiesa did not have many opportunities in the starting team. His lack of physical form limited his appearances, playing only 104 minutes in the Premier League.Despite this, Chiesa earned the affection of the Liverpool fans, who dedicated a chant to him. This chant was the soundtrack to Liverpool’s first victory in the 2025-26 season, with Chiesa scoring a great goal against Bournemouth.Captain Virgil van Dijk praised Chiesa after the victory.Federico is at a very good age. He brings experience and talent, but at the same time he brings the potential to keep improving and this is something that really excites us. I have said throughout the summer that it is not easy to sign players for Liverpool because the level of the players we have is very high, but in Federico I firmly believe that we are signing someone who improves what is already here.
Arne Slot, Liverpool coach
Chiesa’s performance against Bournemouth led Slot to admit that he had seen a “totally different Federico”.Although Chiesa still needs to convince his coach to trust him in the most important matches, he could have the opportunity to prove his worth in Europe, especially with Salah’s absence.Fede is an incredible character. He is a reward for all the hard work since he joined the club. He has had bad luck with injuries, but I am very happy that he was important tonight. It hasn’t been an easy time for him, but we are all here for him. We all know the impact he can have and I am very happy that he scored. He has had difficult moments, but he has great qualities. We all love him. He is also loved by the fans. When he can produce moments like this, it’s something we all want to see.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool captain
With Ekitike’s suspension, Chiesa could have another opportunity against Crystal Palace.I play for a first-class club. This is perhaps one of the three best in the world. It’s Liverpool. Of course, they are going to sign the best players; of course, the competition is high. If I don’t want competition, I’ll go to another team. But I want the competition, I want to play here and I think that, at the end of the day, competition helps you to be a better player.
Federico Chiesa
