Massimiliano Allegri’s prediction came true after Arne Slot started Federico Chiesa in a central role during Liverpool’s 3-2 loss against Brighton
In 2021, when Allegri was coaching Juventus, he made a statement about how he imagined Chiesa’s progression over the coming years, focusing on what needed to be done to get the best out of the former Juve winger. This evaluation recently came true after Chiesa started his first game for Liverpool during their 3-2 loss to Brighton over the weekend, with Reds head coach Arne Slot seemingly following Allegri’s advice from the past.
Allegri’s prediction about Chiesa’s progression is downright scary as it landed exactly as he predicted. In 2021, the Italian manager said (as quoted by Football Italia), “I told Federico my evaluation, which is that he can play as a centre-forward or a support striker
Chiesa joined Liverpool in the previous summer transfer window. The Italy international burst onto the scene due to his devastating impact as a winger for both Italy and his former employers, Juventus. In limited minutes this season, which has been hampered due to struggles with fitness, Slot preferred to use Chiesa on the flanks, before starting him in a more central role against Brighton. Following the game, Slot expressed how happy he was with the 27-year-old’s performance.
“I think the big quality Federico has is scoring goals, so the more you get him minutes around the box, the bigger chances he has to score a goal,” Slot said after the Brighton game.
“He got a good chance before Mo [Salah] had his big chance. Mo assisted Federico for him to have an open shot from 18 yards. It was a good chance for Federico because he’s such a great finisher.
“I think he did even more than what I expected from him. If you haven’t played throughout the season, and then playing Brighton away which is a very good team. For him to be out for so long and play a game like this is more than I could expect.”
Despite the disappointing start to the Premier League, hindered with injuries which kept the Italian out for four months, Slot confirmed that Chiesa is still in his plans for the 2025-26 campaign, given he stays fit in the coming season. Having impressed Slot in his previous game, Chiesa can hope to find one more start before the end of the season, when the champions take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace on Sunday, May 25