For much of the summer, it felt as though Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool story was already written.
A frustrating first season, persistent links to Serie A, and just 14 appearances — only four of them — starts painted the picture of an inevitable departure.
Yet football is rarely so neat. On a pulsating night at Anfield, the Italian reminded head coach Arne Slot and their supporters why he is still worth believing in
The last time Bournemouth visited Anfield, 11 months ago, Chiesa was handed his debut with a late cameo. Since then, opportunities have been scarce, his contributions fleeting. So when Hugo Ekitike was withdrawn after another eye-catching display, few expected Arne Slot to look towards the Italian.
But with Liverpool pegged back from 2-0 up by two quickfire Antoine Semenyo goals, Slot needed something different. On 82 minutes, he turned to Chiesa.
Six minutes later, the Italian forward delivered the decisive moment, latching onto a loose ball inside the box and steering a clever volley beyond Neto. The Kop erupted, Anfield bouncing to the tune of his chant once again. It was his first Premier League goal, and perhaps the moment that changes his Anfield trajectory.
After the game, Slot was quick to praise the 27-year-old and hinted there may yet be a future for him at Liverpool
“As long as he is here it is definitely at Liverpool and I have no reason to believe it is going to change.
He had a hard time last season getting his fitness ready and unfortunately for him, he then missed the Asian tour. At 2-2 you need a number nine. I brought him in and he delivered — and that is always positive for your future at the club.”
The Dutchman acknowledged the affection supporters have for Chiesa, whose terrace song — sung to the tune of Sway — has become a feature at Anfield despite his limited appearances.
“The fans sung for him so many times last season and it is very nice for him to give them something in return
That is difficult for me to tell you (why supporters have taken to Chiesa so well)… maybe it’s the history, a big player from Italy choosing to come here. That doesn’t happen often. Or maybe it’s just a nice song. But then I probably don’t give him the credit he deserves.”
While Chiesa seized his moment, Hugo Ekitike again underlined why Slot pushed for his signing. The Frenchman scored one and assisted another, building on his Community Shield goal last weekend with another display full of promise.
But if Ekitike represents Liverpool’s future, Chiesa is the puzzle piece that never quite fit — until now. His strike against Bournemouth may not erase the frustrations of last season, but it suggests his Anfield chapter isn’t finished just yet.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Chiesa reiterated his desire to extend his stay at Anfield.
“I play wherever the coach puts me. I arrived here and had a lot of difficulty, because the tempo is just so different, but after a year I finally got my first Premier League goal. The coach gave me a chance and always had words of encouragement for me.
I’m very happy at Liverpool! I will speak to the club but I wanna stay here and fight to win many trophies!”
Chiesa’s journey with Liverpool has been one of setbacks, but his bond with supporters has endured. Partly it’s the romance of a big-name Italian forward choosing to make England his home. Partly it’s the song. Mostly, it’s nights like Friday where he stepped off the bench and delivered when it mattered most.
But Anfield moments matter, and this one could yet prove a turning point. Liverpool supporters crave players who can rise to big occasions. Friday night suggested Chiesa, for all the doubts, still has the ability to do just that.
If Slot’s post-match words are anything to go by, the door to an Anfield future has not closed. For Chiesa, that volley against Bournemouth may have been more than just a winning goal it might have been a lifeline.
For a squad light on attacking options, that could make all the difference. And for Chiesa himself, it might just be the beginning of the redemption arc few thought possible this summer.
