Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa admits a return to Italy is ‘something to think about’ this summer.

The 27-year-old wrapped up his challenging first season in England, where he played only 14 matches after a late August arrival in a £10 million move, earning the Premier League title. He is now focused on returning to pre-season training on July 8.

But asked about a return to his homeland, the Italy international told La Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘That’s something to think about during the summer.

‘We’ll find the best solution for everyone. I work every day with a Liverpool programme to be in top shape for the tests on July 8.

“While not part of the Juventus squad, I kept in great shape through training, but I missed out on friendly matches. At Liverpool, I had to begin again, and that slowed down my progress.”

‘I hope (next season) it’s my season. My dream is to participate in the World Cup.’

Federico Chiesa has been coy about whether he will stay at Liverpool beyond this summer

Chiesa, 27, made just one Premier League start for the Reds’ in their title-winning campaign 

Arne Slot has said that Chiesa has a future at the club despite not opting to play him often

When Chiesa reached Merseyside, he was out of shape due to being sidelined by Thiago Motta at the Turin club, missing pre-season preparation and lacking competitive fitness.

The winger was then constantly playing catch-up in the early months of the season and as a result, could not get in the team ahead of others.

He only managed a meagre 104 minutes of football in the Premier League, making just one start, which came against Brighton in the penultimate match of the campaign with the title wrapped up.

However, despite not utilising Chiesa’s skills throughout the season, Liverpool boss Arne Slot that he has a future at Anfield just last month.

‘Does he have a future here? Yes, definitely he has, yes,’ said Slot. ‘Definitely. I think everyone playing for us over here has a future over here.

‘Next season, if he comes back completely fit, which he has hardly been for the first half-season but then afterward he became fitter and fitter. The next step should have been playing time, which I couldn’t give him.

‘But I can give him playing time in pre-season, so he can build himself up and then go even further.’

Chiesa is natural a winger who plays on the right, but with Mo Salah a staple in that position, opportunities were hard to come by as the Egyptian led Liverpool to a 20th title.

Slot also said: ‘In terms of the quality he has, he deserves more playing time but unfortunately for him he’s in competition with Mo Salah. On the left, it’s competition with Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. Three players who have had a great season.

When asked about a possible return to Juventus the Italian winger responded: ‘never say never’

Mohamed Salah (left), Cody Gakpo (middle), and Luis Diaz (right), are often chosen in front of Chiesa

‘He was not as fit as the others for a long time. That doesn’t help in the beginning. Then the others did so well there’s no reason to change. 

‘Is he good enough to play for us? Yes he is. But I’ve always felt Lucho, Cody and Mo deserved the confidence I had in them.’

Chiesa has been linked with the likes of Napoli and Atletico Madrid, but there is yet to be any serious speculation of a departure.

He has admitted that he would ‘never say never’ to a return to Turin, but there are no signs that is an option at the time of writing.