Slot hails Chiesa after match-winning cameo at Anfield

Overview

• Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth.
• Federico Chiesa was brought in the 82nd minute.
• He made an instant impact, scoring in the 88th minute.

Liverpool began their Premier League title defence with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15, 2025.

The Reds started strongly and went into the break with a 2-0 lead. Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring, and Cody Gakpo doubled the advantage in the first half. However, Bournemouth fought back after the restart. Antoine Semenyo struck twice in the 54th and 76th minutes to level the game at 2-2, putting pressure on Arne Slot’s side.

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With the game in the balance, Slot turned to Federico Chiesa in the 82nd minute. The Italian made an instant impact, scoring in the 88th minute to restore Liverpool’s lead. Mohamed Salah then sealed the result with a late goal, making it 4-2 for the defending champions.

“As long as he's here, it's definitely at Liverpool" - Slot on Chiesa

Chiesa’s decisive cameo drew praise from Liverpool’s head coach, who also hinted that the winger is most likely to remain at the club despite speculation about a return to Italy.

“As long as he's here, it's definitely at Liverpool and I have no reason to believe something is going to change. He had a hard time last season getting his fitness ready,” Slot said when asked about Chiesa’s future.

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The Italian missed Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia but delivered when it mattered most, which left Slot encouraged.

“Unfortunately for him he missed out on our Asian tour as well so he missed quite a lot. When we needed Federico at 2-2, we brought him in and he delivered and that's always positive for your future at the club. After the fans sung for him so many times during the game and last season as well, I think it's nice for him to give them something in return and that's definitely what he did today,” he added.