ASSISTER OF MERSEY

Chiesa's service with a smile sets up chance for more Prem action

- BY PAUL GORST

IF the broad smiles of Federico Chiesa have been a feature since his move to Liverpool, there was even more reason for his wide-eyed delight on Tuesday night.

Kop stardom has not looked exactly like it did in the brochure since he joined from Juventus in late August last year in a deal worth up to £12m.

His first season was beset by fitness problems and a difficulty adjusting to the unique intensity of Premier League football meant the Italian made just one start as a result, at Brighton in early May after the title had already been secured.

Six Premier League appearances in total have almost been equalled already this season, with the former Fiorentina man making four from the bench, including a dramatic 88th-minute intervention against Bournemouth on the opening night, when he expertly volleyed home to make it 3-2.