For months it looked like Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool career looked destined to be brief.
The 27-year-old Italy international, signed from Juventus for £12 million last year, spent large stretches of his debut season injured or on the fringes of the squad. He started just one Premier League game, scored twice late in matches, and by the end of the season appeared closer to an exit than an impact.
When Liverpool omitted Chiesa from their pre-season tour of Asia, the writing on the wall looked clear. Serie A clubs circled. The expectation was that Liverpool would recoup a fee, Slot would move on with different options, and Chiesa would restart back in Italy.
But football has a habit of flipping the script. On the opening weekend of the Premier League, Chiesa changed the narrative.
Chiesa’s late strike in Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth — his first in the Premier League — was more than just a goal to edge his side back in front. It was a reminder of the talent that persuaded Liverpool to take a gamble on him a year ago, and a potential shift in his status under Slot.
All three of Chiesa’s Liverpool goals have now arrived in the 88th minute or later, each decisive in its own way. It suggests a player who can change games when the margins are tight.
Crucially, the departures of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez have left Liverpool with fewer options in the attacking third, and head coach Slot hinted that the Italian may now be central to his plans rather than expendable.
“If he’s more available, then he has already more chances to impact our results or his playing time.
I see a totally different Federico now compared to large parts of last season.”
Last year, Chiesa entered English football at a disadvantage — his body wasn’t ready for the relentlessness of the Premier League. He was perpetually a step behind, chasing the rhythm rather than dictating it and Slot admits it showed in his adaptation.
The contrast lies in preparation. This time, Slot sees sharpness, greater resilience and, importantly, a forward with something to prove.
Liverpool’s visit to St James’ Park will be an early test of their season credentials, in what is likely to be a febrile atmosphere given the ongoing Alexander Isak transfer saga.
For Chiesa, it is another chance to confirm he is not a footnote in Liverpool’s attack but a figure who could yet shape their title defence.
