Where Federico Chiesa could fit into Arne Slot's flying Liverpool side

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has revealed where he sees new Liverpool signing Federico Chiesa fitting into the national side, in his revamped approach.

Speaking after the Azzurri’s 2-1 win over Israel, the former Napoli boss was quizzed on how he could deploy Chiesa, now that he is setting up his team in a 3-5-2 system.

“I imagine he can play as a support striker,” Spalletti said, “but with more freedom to go near the flanks. This 3-5-2 is versatile, at times it can be a centre forward with a wider figure, it doesn’t necessarily have to be two central strikers.”

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Chiesa's versatility could be invaluable

The change of formation for Italy follows their disappointing early exit from Euro 2024 in a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland. In that game, Chiesa playing wide on the right in a 4-3-3 shape that is not dissimilar to the system Arne Slot employs.

However, in this international break, Spalletti has used a 3-5-2 system in which a second striker (Lorenzo Pellegrini vs. France and Giacomo Raspadori vs. Israel) play behind a central figure (Mateo Retegui or Moise Kean). These second strikers have occupied fluid positions, creating chances from central areas, supporting attacking full backs in wide areas, and getting in behind the defence on counter-attacks. 

This opens up some interesting propositions for Chiesa when he takes to the turf at Anfield. It’s widely speculated that the £10million man would primarily cover for Mo Salah on the right, or occupy the left flank if starting in the same line-up as the Egyptian.

However, Spalletti's comments suggest Chiesa could drop into Dominik Szoboszlai’s advanced midfield position if needed.

Given Liverpool's widely acknowledged quest to strengthen in midfield this summer was unsuccessful, Federico's versatility will be welcome news for Slot.

If the Italian can aptly deputise for Szoboszlai, then the Hungarian could be moved to cover for Alexis Mac Allister if the Argentinian spends any significant time on the sidelines following an injury picked up on international duty.

The Reds' newest attacker primarily played as a second striker for Juventus last season, following two injury-plagued campaigns in which he was mainly used as a winger whenever he was on the pitch.

Chiesa bagged nine goals in 33 appearances in Serie A last term, his best tally since his 10-goal return for Fiorentina in 2019/20 earned him the move to Turin.