'Great player' Federico Chiesa tipped to help fill Liverpool's Mo Salah void if Egyptian leaves this summer as ex-Italy star backs struggling winger to become an 'asset' to Arne Slot

Euro 2020 winner Chiesa looked like being quite the bargain at Anfield when completing a £10 million ($13m) transfer during the summer of 2024. He was, however, allowed to leave Juventus amid serious questions of his fitness record.

Injuries have become an unfortunate theme for the 27-year-old forward, with a lack of match sharpness restricting him to just eight appearances for Liverpool and no Premier League starts. A return to his native Italy was speculated on prior to the January transfer window swinging open.

Chiesa now appears set to remain on Merseyside and fellow countryman Di Matteo – who spent time in England with Chelsea during his playing days – has, speaking in association with BetMGM, told GOAL of why Liverpool’s patience will be rewarded: "I definitely think he can be a success. He is one of the best Italian players. His only downfall has been injuries. He has always had a few injuries in his career. If he can get fully fit and stay continuously fit and play games, he is a great player.

"I can see why Liverpool would sign him. It’s a great move, going to Liverpool – a fantastic iconic club, challenges for the Premier League, for the Champions League. But Arne Slot said that he has good competition from the guys ahead of him – Mo Salah, Luis Diaz etc – so it’s not easy to get into the Liverpool team. I think he will be an asset for them in the second half of the season. He’s looking better now, he’s played a few games, and he’s a great player if he can stay fit."

One of those in front of Chiesa in the Liverpool pecking order, Egyptian superstar Salah, may not be around for much longer as he heads towards free agency. A replacement on the right flank will be required once the talismanic winger moves on, with Di Matteo saying when asked if Chiesa is up to that task: "Who can fill Mo Salah’s void? That’s a big ask, isn’t it. He’s had such an incredible career, Mo Salah, and his numbers are staggering. I’m not sure he can fill his shoes but he can give a big contribution to the team. He can certainly be a good player for them.

"Come the second half of the season when it’s very important to have all of your players fit, hopefully he’ll be in the mix when they have to rotate because they are involved in the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, so it’s a lot of games to play. I’m not sure how much English fans know about him, but I really like him."

Chiesa registered his first goal for Liverpool in their FA Cup third-round victory over Accrington Stanley on January 11. He has made three further appearances since then, all as late introductions off the bench, and will hope to figure more prominently as the Reds continue to chase down major honours on multiple fronts.