Federico Chiesa was at the heart of Liverpool’s 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Southampton on Tuesday night, yet the Italian forward admitted the Reds will need to raise their levels if they want to go deep in the competition.
The 26-year-old lit up Anfield with two assists, first teeing up Alexander Isak for his maiden Liverpool goal before supplying the late winner for Hugo Ekitike. Those contributions proved decisive after Shea Charles had pulled the visitors level midway through the second half.
Named Carlsberg Player of the Match, Chiesa reflected afterwards with a mix of pride and realism.
“I really enjoyed being out there – I always enjoy playing at Anfield and for Liverpool,” he said. “But honestly, it wasn’t our best performance. We should have been more focused from the very start. Winning was the main thing, but if we want to lift this trophy, we need to be sharper.”
Head coach Arne Slot rang the changes, rotating all 11 players from the weekend. One of those fresh faces was 18-year-old defender Giovani Leoni, who was handed his debut following his summer move from Parma. The youngster impressed with his composure until an awkward injury forced him off after 81 minutes.
Chiesa, who shares a national bond with the teenager, was quick to send his support.
“I feel really sorry for Giovani,” he said. “We don’t know yet how serious it is, but I hope it’s nothing bad. He’s got such a bright future – a fantastic guy, a talented footballer, and only 18. I watched him last year in Serie A and he already showed the calmness and intelligence of the great Italian defenders of the past. Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious.”
For Liverpool, the night ended with progression secured and lessons to learn. For Chiesa, it was another glimpse of why he could become such a vital figure at Anfield.
