Giorgio Chiellini

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Chiellini keeps the faith

Aug 22, 2011

Giorgio Chiellini concedes that facing Udinese away in Week 1 is not ideal, but he

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Giorgio Chiellini eagerly anticipating Udinese clash

The highly-rated defender is looking forward to his side's Serie A opener,

but was quite disappointed with the Trofeo Berlusconi loss against AC Milan.

Aug 22, 2011

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is eagerly anticipating his side's first league match of the season away against Udinese on August 28.

The Turin side have recorded some mixed results during pre-season, but Juve's second-half display against AC Milan in Sunday's 2-1 loss in the Trofeo Berlusconi gives reason for optimism in Chiellini's opinion.

"Our second-half performance can give us some comfort ahead of the trip to Udine. Obviously facing the team from Friuli this early in the season isn

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Chiellini: 'We should've done better'

Sep 2, 2011

Giorgio Chiellini feels the Azzurri must

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It

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The atmosphere in the new stadium was incredible - Giorgio Chiellini

The Italy international was impressed with the ambience at the club's new home ground

and is eagerly anticipating the upcoming match against Parma.

Sep 9, 2011

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has expressed his delight with the atmosphere at the club's new stadium in the wake of the opening of the venue on Thursday evening.

Although the Turin giants had to settle for a 1-1 draw against League One side Notts County, Chiellini was full of positivity about Juve's new home ground.

"We enjoyed the exhilarating atmosphere provided by the new stadium. It

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Agent defends Chiellini's form

Sep 27, 2011

Giorgio Chiellini's agent has defended his client's form at the start of the season, calling criticism levelled at the defender 'excessive'.

Davide Lippi came out in defence of the 27-year-old centre-back after he was criticised in light of recent performances that have seen the team drop four points from their last two games.

Speaking to Calciomercato.it, Lippi suggested his client was being made a scapegoat.

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Chiellini advised to switch back

Oct 3, 2011

Former Juventus stopper Sergio Porrini believes Giorgio Chiellini should be transformed back into a left-back.

Centre-back Chiellini was used in the full-back role last night against Milan and Porrini, a former Italian international, is adamant that Sunday

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Claudio Gentile praises Chiellini's versatility

The retired Italy international was impressed by the former Livorno

and Fiorentina player's ability to operate at left-back.

Oct 4, 2011

Juventus legend Claudio Gentile has praised the way Giorgio Chiellini adapted to his role at left-back in the Turin giants' 2-0 Serie A victory over AC Milan on Sunday.

Chiellini started the season at centre-back, but was moved to the left last weekend because of the absence of full-back Paolo De Ceglie, and Gentile was impressed with the Italy international's display there.

"Chiellini has the force and power to play any role in defence," Gentile, a World Cup winner with Italy in 1982, told Tuttosport.

Gentile then went on to say that Leonardo Bonucci's form at centre-back will play a role in establishing which position the former Livorno defender will occupy for the rest of the season.

"The performance of the former Bari man [bonucci] will determine Chiellini's position on the pitch in future."

Gentile also praised right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner following his strong performance at the weekend.

"Lichtsteiner is definitely the best full-back in recent years at the Bianconeri."

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Vierchowod: Giorgio Chiellini is better as a left-back

The retired Italy international feels that the former Livorno defender

loses concentration too often to play in the centre.

Oct 6, 2011

Pietro Vierchowod believes Juventus coach Antonio Conte made the right choice by moving Giorgio Chiellini from centre-back to left-back in the Turin giants' 2-0 Serie A win over AC Milan last Sunday.

The former Juventus centre-back, who played until the age of 41, has concerns about Chiellini's concentration levels and believes it hinders his ability to play at the heart of the defence.

"Chiellini has some difficulties when playing centrally," Vierchowod told TuttoMercatoWeb. "When playing centrally he sometimes 'falls asleep'."

Vierchowod then went on to say that Juventus are in need of defensive reinforcements, although he admitted that the current partnership between Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci has potential.

"Although the partnership of Barzagli and Bonucci is a defence which has personality, Juventus now need an extra centre-back."

The former Italy international also warned that the current Serie A leaders need to learn lessons from last season if they are to challenge for honours.

"Juventus must also demonstrate continuity and consistency in their results, and must not repeat the mistakes of last year, in which the team collapsed from January onwards."

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Giorgio Chiellini: 'My hope is to return

to the highest level with Juventus'

The Italian international defender dismisses media speculation linking him

with Real Madrid, arguing that he can fulfil his career ambitions with the Turin giants.

Oct 22, 2011

Giorgio Chiellini has dismissed speculation linking him with Spanish giants Real Madrid, claiming that he is only interested in returning to the apex of European football with Juventus.

Following a difficult start to the season, a move to left-back for the Turin club's defeat of AC Milan has left the former Livorno man reinvigorated and perked the interest of potential suitors.

However, speaking to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the Italian international assured fans of the Vinovo club that he intends to achieve his personal ambitions with his current employers.

"My hope, with all my heart, is to return to the highest level with this team and to stay there," the 27-year-old insisted.

Chiellini also expressed his delight at the impact coach Antonio Conte has had on the squad since arriving in the summer.

"The coach has a huge influence for the team," he said in praise of the former Siena coach.

"As a player he was a flagbearer for this team, and as a captain he won everything."

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Chiellini not a Juve problem

Oct 24, 2011

Giorgio Chiellini

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Media attacks against Chiellini are excessive, says agent

The Italy international has been struggling to find his best form,

but his brother feels that the criticism aimed at the defender is over the top.

Oct 24, 2011

Claudio Chiellini, the brother and agent of Juventus defender Giorgio, has admitted that his client has made some mistakes this season, but feels that he doesn't deserve the harsh treatment he gets in the press.

Chiellini has received his fair share of criticism following some disappointing performances and he again failed to impress in Juventus' 2-2 Serie A draw against Genoa last weekend.

"It is true that he has made some mistakes this season, but people act like Juventus' problem is Giorgio Chiellini," Claudio said to Tuttosport.

"The media attacks are excessive in my opinion. It looks like they're after a scapegoat after every disappointing result. Giorgio doesn't deserve this treatment. He has done a lot for Juventus in the last six years and was the best defender in Italy for three seasons.

"These are pretty unfortunate episodes though, as it seems as if every minor mistake he makes results in a goal at the moment."

Chiellini has made 177 league appearances for Juventus since joining the club from Livorno in 2004.

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Chiellini goes on Italy defensive

Nov 10, 2011

Giorgio Chiellini wants Italy to again underline their defensive strength under Cesare Prandelli in the game against Poland.

Italy have conceded eight goals in 16 ties since Prandelli took charge after World Cup 2010, but only two of them came in their 10 Euro 2012 qualifying encounters.

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Not playing in the Champions League is a good thing

for Juventus, says Giorgio Chiellini

The Italy international assesses his club side's Scudetto credentials and believes

that not being involved in the potential distractions of European competition is an advantage.

Nov 11, 2011

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini believes a lack of Champions League football can help focus attention on the pursuit of the Serie A title.

The Italy international, who is likely to feature in Friday night's friendly against Poland, reflected on the domestic situation his club find themselves in.

Juventus are fourth in the standings, but with a game in hand after last Sunday's fixture against Napoli was postponed.

It has been an impressive start for the Bianconeri, having already beaten AC Milan and Inter which has strengthened hopes of a title win.

And Chiellini feels not playing in Europe gives them an advantage compared to those involved in continental action on a regular basis, but he is not getting carried away.

"Not playing in Europe can be an advantage for Juventus for the Scudetto, but next year we want to be there," Chiellini is quoted as saying on Tuttosport.

"However, it is still early to say that we are favourites for the title.

"I think Milan are up there and Napoli also have a great project."

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Chiellini sees Juve advantage

Nov 11, 2011

Giorgio Chiellini admits that a lack of European football this season will increase Juventus

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Chiellini laughs off Liverpool links

Dec 6, 2011

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini responded to reports he’ll join Liverpool. “It’s laughable. They really don’t know what to write.”

The English media had stories today suggesting Liverpool were planning a January bid for the Italian international.

“When I read these things, it really is laughable,” wrote Chiellini on his Twitter account.

“They really don’t know what to write.”

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I’m a centre-back, says Chiellini

Dec 16, 2011

Giorgio Chiellini will be happy to once again be fielded in the heart of the Juventus defence this weekend. “It’s my role.”

The Italian international has been mainly used as a left-back by Antonio Conte in Turin this season, but Leonardo Bonucci’s suspension should see him move over into the middle against Novara.

“I’m ready to return into the centre, but it will be up to the Coach to decide,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.

“At the end of the day I consider that to be my natural position and I think I play better in that role,” he added.

“I’m at the disposal of the squad and I’ll be happy to play as a centre-back against Novara.”

Juventus are currently top of the standings with Udinese, two points clear of Lazio and title rivals Milan.

“We have great respect for Milan,” the former Fiorentina player noted. “After all, we know that they are the reigning Italian champions.

“There is a great desire here at Juventus to do well, but we are just taking things one game at a time without thinking about what could happen at the end of the season.”

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Giorgio Chiellini: Scudetto is now a two-horse race

The versatile Italy international is refusing to underestimate the threat posed

by Udinese and Inter but he feels that his side and AC Milan are the clear frontrunners.

Feb 3, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini believes that the battle for this season's Scudetto has become a two-horse race between Juventus and AC Milan.

The Bianconeri currently lead Serie A by a solitary point from the Rossoneri, having played one game less than the defending champions.

Udinese sit third, three points off top spot, with Lazio and Inter tucked in behind but Chiellini believes that there are now just two genuine title contenders left.

"I have never underestimated Udinese, though, if they were to go progress further in the Europa League, we could see a drop off in the league," the makeshift left-back told Sky Sport Italia.

"Inter had made an amazing and unexpected recovery, [but] now they have slowed up in recent games.

"In fact, it would now appear to be a two-horse race, but this year's championship is finely balanced and there could be some other big comebacks."

With Juve still undefeated and unburdened by European competition, Antonio Conte's men appear to have all of the odds stacked in their favour.

However, Chiellini suspects that everything could hinge on how they fare over the next month, given that they must face the Rossoneri at San Siro twice in February, once in the Coppa Italia and once in the league.

"It's too early to be feeling like favourites," the Italy international argued. "You are playing every couple of days and a mistake will allow Milan to change things.

"In the next month we will have many commitments, including the Italian Cup, and when they are concluded we will have a clearer picture, particularly after the games against one another."

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Chiellini on title defensive

Feb 3, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini has cooled suggestions that his Juventus side are in pole position to win the Scudetto.

Leaders Juve have a one point advantage and a game in hand over closest rivals Milan in the Serie A table.

However, the Italian international has reacted cautiously to claims that his side are the team to beat this term.

“It’s too soon to be feeling like favourites,” the defender, who has been used in the middle and as a left-back this season, told Sky Sport Italia.

“It looks like it will be a two-horse race, but that may be premature,” he continued. “Let’s see after the next month.

“It’s a really balanced championship where Inter have made a crazy comeback with seven consecutive victories.”

The Old Lady have been a revelation in 2011-12, especially after finishing the last two seasons in a lowly seventh place.

“Everything has changed here,” he added. “The players, the Coach, the formation, the mentality and the stadium which is very important.”

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Chiellini would keep Del Piero

Mar 26, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini hopes that Alessandro Del Piero and Juventus can reconsider the captain’s impending departure this summer.

Del Piero, who has won 15 major honours in his 19 seasons with the Bianconeri, is set to leave the Turin club in the summer when his contract expires.

However, Chiellini, who has seen his 37-year-old teammate net against Milan and Inter inside a few days this week, reflects that if it were up to him, Del Piero would be staying.

“You never can tell if the decision is right or not,” the defender said on RTL.

“Alex is a great champion and always will be, and we as players can only observe and accept these choices.

“For us, the champion and the man would remain with us always - I believe that until the end of the season there is time for him and the club to talk and reach a decision together.

“Ale was one of the first to think only of the field and help us out through the year, and we hope more and more through these two months. Then, any other discussion is best left out, so as to avoid controversy.”

Earlier today, Del Piero was less than clear on what will happen this summer.

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Chiellini: Winning only Juve option

Mar 27, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that Juventus may have to win every game they have left this season in order to lift the Scudetto.

Despite convincing triumphs over Fiorentina and Inter in recent weeks, the Bianconeri are still trailing leaders Milan by four points.

“It won’t be easy to win the championship,” the defender commented. “We just have to think about winning our games.

“The rest will be up to Milan because if they continue doing what they are doing then the maths won’t help us.”

Although Juve are unbeaten in Serie A, the Diavolo have collected more victories. Following the loss at Lazio, the Rossoneri have managed two draws and six wins.

While Chiellini is hoping Milan lose the title, he’s supporting the Rossoneri in their Champions League quest.

“Every football fan will be watching Milan-Barcelona,” he continued. “It will benefit all of Italian football that they progress as far as possible given the current rankings.”

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Chiellini hopes AC Milan defeat Barcelona

The Italian stopper is hopeful that the Rossoneri can eliminate Barca and progress

in the Champions League, while urging Juve to focus on their own Serie A title race.

Mar 27, 2012

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that he will support AC Milan in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final tie against Barcelona.

Milan host the Catalan giants on Wednesday in the first leg, and with the Rossoneri being the only Italian club left in Europe, Chiellini is hoping that they will be able to progress in the competition.

"Every fan will be watching the match on Wednesday," Chiellini is quoted as saying by ANSA.

"For us Italians, it would be good that Milan could go as far as possible, especially at a moment when the deficit in the Uefa club ranking is so big."

The 27-year-old then urged Juventus not to obsess with Milan's results in the Serie A title race despite the Bianconeri sitting four points adrift with nine matches left to play.

"We have to think about winning our games, which will not be easy," Chiellini added.

"The rest will depend on what Milan do, because if they continue like this, they will win."

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Chiellini: Milan virtually uncatchable

Mar 30, 2012

Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini is well aware of how difficult it will be to beat Milan to the Scudetto. “It’s easier on the PlayStation…”

The Old Lady are currently four points behind the leaders in the table and boss Antonio Conte considers the Diavolo as favourites.

“I think the Coach is just being a realist,” the defender told Il Giornale. “The Rossoneri are reigning champions and have four more points than us.

“It is certainly easier to beat them on the PlayStation than it is in real life,” the Italian international smiled.

“We are just taking things one game at a time, keeping our feet on the ground and concentrating on our next task which is Napoli.”

Chiellini, 27, is one of the club’s most influential players which has seen him linked with the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid in the past.

“Well, if you are a footballer then it is inevitable that your name will be mentioned in a transfer story every six months,” he continued.

“I have never received any concrete offers from anyone though.”

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Real Madrid & Manchester City never made

a concrete offer for me, says Chiellini

The Italy international has revealed that he never received a serious offer from either side,

while admitting that Juventus face a tough task to beat Milan to the Serie A title.

Mar 30, 2012

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has revealed that he has never received a concrete offer from either Manchester City or Real Madrid.

The Italy international has been linked with the Liga leaders and the Premier League side in the past, but Chiellini has stressed that he was never close to leaving the Bianconeri for an adventure abroad.

"Real Madrid and Manchester City? Obviously when you're a footballer your name is going to be mentioned in a transfer story every six months," Chiellini stated to Il Giornale.

"However, I have never received any concrete offers."

The centre-back then went on to discuss his side's chances of overtaking AC Milan in the Serie A table, and echoed his coach Antonio Conte's sentiments about the Old Lady's fading title chances.

"The Rossoneri are reigning champions and have a four-point lead. The coach is just being realistic when he says it will be difficult.

"We are taking it one game at a time and are focusing on our next task against Napoli for now. We have to keep our feet on the ground.