ReactionFederico Chiesa: I always enjoy playing at Anfield and for Liverpool

The Italian produced two assists at Anfield on Tuesday night to help the much-changed Reds progress to the fourth round with a 2-1 victory.

Chiesa set up Alexander Isak's first goal for the club and then the late winner from Hugo Ekitike, which was required due to Shea Charles equalising in minute 76.

The Carlsberg Player of the Match told Liverpoolfc.com afterwards: "I did enjoy playing. I always enjoy playing at Anfield and for Liverpool.

"But I have to say it wasn't a great performance by the team. We should have been more concentrated since the start of the game. But at the end we won and that's what we wanted.

"That's why I think in the first half we should have shown more focus, concentration on the game – because we want to win this competition."

Arne Slot made 11 alterations to his line-up for the clash against the Championship opposition.

One of those changes saw Giovanni Leoni come into the side to make his Liverpool debut, having completed a switch from Parma last month.

The 18-year-old centre-half impressed for 81 minutes before an awkward-looking injury cut short that promising bow.

• Arne Slot's post-match update on Leoni injury

On his fellow Italian, Chiesa said: "Unfortunately I'm sorry for Giovanni Leoni for what has happened to him.

"We don't know yet what happened to him but I hope that it is nothing bad because he has a bright future ahead. He is a fantastic guy and a great footballer. He's just 18. I hope it's nothing bad but we will see.

"I saw him last year in Serie A and he already showed calmness on the ball and then a great defensive mind – an Italian defensive mind as the old defenders back in the day! I hope it's actually nothing."