"You need to tell me what the f**k is happening" - Antonio Cassano sends strong message about Liverpool star

Antonio Cassano has questioned Liverpool star Federico Chiesa's lack of game time this season. The former Real Madrid forward fails to understand why the Italy international, who in his view is the country's most talented player, has struggled for minutes in the Premier League.

The Merseysiders signed Chiesa from Juventus just before the transfer deadline this summer for a reported £12.5 million. The fee seemed a bargain for a versatile attacker who's amassed plenty of experience in the Serie A and with his national team, playing a key role in their Euro 2020 triumph.

However, Chiesa has found it difficult to break into Arne Slot's starting XI, falling behind the likes of Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Luis Diaz, in the pecking order. The 27-year-old has registered just 78 minutes in three appearances across competitions this season.

His lack of minutes has left Cassano stunned, with the retired forward insisting that his compatriot definitely has what it takes to thrive in the English top flight. Speaking on Viva el Futbol, the former Real Madrid man said (via the Echo):

"You need to tell me what the f**k is happening with Chiesa. 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."

Cassano added:

“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.”

Liverpool boss Arne Slot on Federico Chiesa's fitness and lack of game time

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has opened up about Federico Chiesa's lack of game time while providing an update on his fitness.

Slot admitted last month that he felt sorry for the Italy international while attributing his lack of action this season to his absence from the club's pre-season.

Before Liverpool's 2-0 win over Aston Villa over the weekend, Slot spoke about Chiesa's situation again at a pre-match press conference. He admitted that it was a shame the 27-year-old was unavailable for the Villa fixture.

The Liverpool manager said (via This is Anfield):

“I would not use the word concern but it is far from ideal for him and us. Because with the injury of Diogo, 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 level."

Liverpool will face Southampton in the Premier League after the international break on November 24.