'You need to tell me' - Federico Chiesa blunt Liverpool demand made as Italy legend seeks answers

Federico Chiesa has had a tough time of it since joining Liverpool. The £12m summer arrival from Juventus has been restricted to just one start and two cameo substitute appearances for the Reds so far this season.

The good news is that there appears light at the end of the tunnel with Arne Slot revealing before the 2-0 home win over Aston Villa that the Italy international should return during the international break.

Chiesa's fitness problems means he has been left out of the Italy squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Belgium and France.

READ MORE: 'Listen, we can't deny that' - Virgil van Dijk shares Liverpool dressing room view on Man City form

READ MORE: Mohamed Salah contract demands revealed as Liverpool open 'serious negotiations'

One of the stars of the Azzurri team that won the delayed Euro 2020 tournament with a penalty shoot-out victory over England at Wembley, the 27-year-old's move to Liverpool and his progress on Merseyside is big news back in his homeland.

Last month Reds boss Slot's explanation of Chiesa's absence from his squad caused 'embarrassment' in Italy. And his continued spell on the sidelines has caught the attention of former Roma, Real Madrid, Sampdoria and Italy star Antonio Cassano.

Speaking on Viva el Futbol, Cassano admitted he is unhappy about the situation Chiesa finds himself in and why it is bad news for the national team.

"You need to tell me what the f**k is happening with Chiesa,” said Cassano, who also played for AC Milan, Inter Milan and Parma during his colourful career.

"A player who in 2021 was one of the best if not the best along with (Gianluigi) Donnarumma in the Italy team that won, and I thought, now he goes there, different league, he'll be fine and can play wing-back, can play wherever he wants and likes, but he can't even play 10 minutes in the league.

“He's physically unwell, hasn't settled in, isn't up to standard? We need to know something about this for our national team because in my opinion he's the most talented player we have.”

Chiesa, who has won 51 caps for Italy, scoring seven goals, is hoping to be back once Liverpool return to action away to Premier League basement boys Southampton on November 24.

Slot said on Friday: "I would not use the word concern but it is far from ideal for him and us. Because with the injury of Dioga (Jota) we have four attackers available, so this could have been a great moment for him to get more playing time.

"It is difficult for a player who missed out on pre-season and playing pre-season games and training sessions. You have to give a player more time to get to the intensity levels.

"It is a difficult balance to get him where we want but we are trying and he is trying everything he can to get to these levels.

"Once he is at that physical level we will benefit from having him. At this moment we expect him back during the international break and then he should be with us after the international break normally."