Fiorentina’s Federico Chiesa is one of those players that fans of Europe’s bigger clubs are always convinced will be joining their team. Whenever the young star is mentioned on social media, the comments below are highly indicative of these points of view.
Yet while it’s absolutely the prerogative of each individual to dream of future signings, the reality may not be so straightforward. Juventus supporters, for example, are convinced that Chiesa will simply follow in the footsteps of Federico Bernardeschi, another talented young product of the Viola academy who was all too willing to make the switch to Turin when called.
On paper, the 20-year-old – and son of former Italy international Enrico Chiesa – should be almost ready to make the step up. He’s already a full Italian international and boasts over 60 Serie A starts under his belt. His sublime skill and fabulous goals have been shared as video clips across the internet, those who covet him almost drooling at his immense natural talent.
Yet there is more to a move away than first meets the eye.
The modern game sees those who have promise put on a pedestal at the earliest possible moment, but this approach has seen so many ultimately fail. With this in mind, Chiesa’s career is carefully monitored by his father, the retired professional much wiser to the pitfalls of a big-money transfer if made at the wrong moment.
Those who watch the Viola on a regular basis will bear testament to the fact that – while the youngster continues to develop – his decision-making leaves a lot to be desired over a full 90 minutes. His appearances at international level have been accelerated due to a rebuilding project from boss Roberto Mancini, the boss formulating a new Azzurri following their failure to qualify for last summer’s World Cup.
Moreover, the Chiesa clan have no need to accept an unsuitable move simply for the financial gain such a transfer would reap, having already had one extremely successful professional in the family. Florence is a destination hand-selected by Enrico, finishing his career at nearby Tuscan sides Siena and Figline in order to allow Federico to join the Fiorentina youth academy in 2007.
In fact, aside from a short period of time while Chiesa senior was at Lazio in 2002/03, the family have lived in Florence since Enrico himself first signed with Fiorentina back in 1999. His son Federico was just 2 years old at that time so this place is considered home by the younger man, something reflected in images and videos of a Viola-supporting Federico as a toddler that have appeared on social media in recent times.
Whilst it would be naive to say that such a talented prodigy would put sentiment over career prospects, Enrico has repeatedly said that there is no rush for his son to move on from Fiorentina, instead putting the focus very much on his development in the present moment.
“The first rule is to keep your feet on the ground,” Federico admitted in an interview with Corriere della Sera just before the current campaign began. “My father told me the secret is to remain concentrated on what I’m doing, and of course I listen to him. If I’ve got this far, it’s thanks to my family.”
In the meantime, the winger must concentrate on improving his ability to decide whether to pass, cross or shoot, cut down on simulation in the box, and increase his goal tally; his total of six in 34 appearances last season is nowhere near enough for his position and talent.
Enrico clearly has faith in the tutelage of coach Stefano Pioli, with whom Federico has an extremely close bond. His younger brother Lorenzo is also in the youth academy, further strengthening the relationship between the family and the club.
If and when Federico Chiesa becomes good enough to break into the first team at a top side, he may then decide to move on. Yet supporters of La Viola will think back to his father’s former team-mate Gabriel Batistuta and ponder “what if,” just on the off chance the winger decides to emulate the legendary Argentine’s astounding loyalty to Fiorentina.
Chloe Beresford specializes in Serie A for a number of outlets and can be found on Twitter and on Facebook via her page CalcioByChloe.