Giorgio Chiellini

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini on Tevez and Llorente

Jul 28, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini is confident Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente “can give a great deal to Juventus this season.”

The Bianconeri are staying at the Stanford University campus during their tour of the US, which includes participation in the Guinness International Champions Cup.

“It’s a splendid structure and it almost makes you want to go back to university,” Chiellini told Tuttosport.

“This is going to be a tough week for us, as Antonio Conte has planned double training sessions and that is only right at this delicate stage of pre-season. It may be a struggle, but I can say that after a vacation I really wanted to get back to training and running.

“It is fundamental we find our form straight away and practice those movements that perhaps some of us slightly forgot over the summer.”

Juve won the last two Scudetti and have strengthened further with the arrival of Angelo Ogbonna from Torino, Tevez from Manchester City and Athletic Bilbao’s Llorente.

“Ogbonna will have no problems settling in and he already knows many of us from the Italy get-togethers,” continued Chiellini.

“Tevez and Llorente have also made a positive impact, showed they are ready to work and I am sure they’ll give a great deal to Juventus this season. They have already learned Italian and brought a lot of enthusiasm.”

Juve face Everton in San Francisco on July 30, while they challenge Lazio for the Italian Super Cup on August 18.

“Our first objective for the season has to be the Super Cup, so our next few games are to help us find form.”

[Socrates 7971]

Juve targeting Supercoppa, says Chiellini

The defender believes upcoming matches will help the Bianconeri prepare for the traditional
curtain raiser and reassured fans that the club's newest signings are adapting well.

Jul 28, 2013

Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini is targeting Supercoppa glory as the Serie A champions look to kick-off the new season with silverware.

The 28-year-old, who returned from international duty following Italy's Confederations Cup campaign, will take part in the Guiness International Champions Cup in America, along with his team-mates, before facing Lazio in the curtain-raiser ahead of the new campaign.

And he is hoping that their preparation in their upcoming fixtures will leave the Bianconeri in rude health ahead of the Supercoppa clash with Lazio.

"The facilities are incredible, especially considering that it’s a university. In addition the climate is ideal in which to work hard and we’ll do just that. After our holidays, we were eager to reunite as a group and get going again," the defender told Juventus.com.

“Our first target is the Super Cup and the upcoming games will be useful to regain our condition and perfect the movements we haven’t run through for a month or so. Games against sides from other countries help increase your awareness, even though your physical condition still isn’t at its peak.”

Chiellini went on to reassure fans that the club's newest signings, Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Angelo Ogbonna have enjoyed a seamless transition to life at the club and suggested that the trio of signings will aid Juve's cause in retaining their Scudetto title.

“Ogbonna’s a new arrival at Juventus, but we already knew each other from both playing in the international side and living in Turin, so he certainly won’t have any problems in settling in. The same goes for Llorente and Tevez, who already speak the language. They both have enthusiasm and desire, which are fundamental ingredients for the new season.”

The Italians commence their Guiness International Champions Cup campaign on Wednesday against Everton.

[Socrates 7971]

Serie A history is against us, says Chiellini

The Italy international believes Juventus have the quality to win a third
successive Scudetto but is wary of the stiff competition they face in 2013-14.

Aug 3, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini is confident that Juventus have what it takes to win their third consecutive Serie A title in 2013-14, but has warned it will be no easy task.

The Turin giants finished last season with a nine-point lead over runners-up Napoli to secure their second Scudetto in a row and the defender is hopeful of winning a third this term - although he acknowledges that sides have struggled to achieve the feat in the past.

"History dictates that winning three consecutive championships is very difficult," Chiellini was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"We’ve got everything required to do it, but it won’t be a walk in the park. After all, it wasn’t a straightforward run to the title last year, given that the gap in the table was minimal in January.

"Then we did well to motor along stronger than the others when people thought we might have paid the price for our involvement in the Champions League."

Chiellini believes that Napoli, AC Milan, Inter and Fiorentina are set to provide Juventus the biggest challenge to their championship crown next season.

"Napoli have made wholesale changes, they’ve got a new manager and will play in a different way," he said.

"The likes of Milan, Inter and Fiorentina are slightly ahead of the rest. I view these teams as our most realistic challengers in the Scudetto race."

[Socrates 7971]

I wouldn't even consider leaving Juventus, insists Chiellini

The Italy defender pledges his immediate future to the Bianconeri, saying he would have
no interest in moving to Real Madrid since he believes his side are ready for big things.

Aug 4, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini has dismissed the suggestion that he could leave Juventus this summer, stressing he has complete faith in Antonio Conte's vision for the Italian champions.

According to reports, Real Madrid are considering making a €22 million move for the versatile centre-back, who has established himself as one of the top defenders in the world since joining from Fiorentina in 2005.

However, Chiellini has reiterated his desire to stay in Turin and thrown his support behind his coach, saying he senses that even better things are on the horizon for the two-time defending Italian champions.

"If Real Madrid make me an offer it wouldn't go through my head at this time to leave Juventus," the 28-year-old told journalists at a press conference after his side's 3-1 defeat to L.A. Galaxy.

"Right now that there is a project on the launching pad. [Giuseppe] Marotta said it clearly: this is not a club that sells. Rather it is a club that wants to build an important cycle.

"Think about it: in Conte's first year, who would ever have imagined Juventus becoming champions of Italy? We have forged ahead.

"Now that we have added a few more pieces, now that we are more solid, we aim to continue on this path."

Juventus have signed attacking duo Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez this summer, the former on a free transfer and the latter for a reported fee of €11.8m from Manchester City, and Chiellini believes that the Bianconeri have spent more wisely than many of their European rivals.

"They say that Juve has spent €200m - I would like to see where that €200m was spent," the Italy international continued.

"When you talk about numbers, you have to justify them. Juventus did not make very large expense.

"Bayern spent €40 million on Mario Gotze, for just one player. Juve haven't spent that on all their purchases.

"But it really is not about the money - we want to improve and that's it. We're going to compare to others at the appropriate time in the field."

Juventus kick off their Scudetto defence against Sampdoria at the Luigi Ferraris at the end of the month.

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini: 'Crazy to leave Juve'

Aug 4, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini feels it “would be crazy to leave Juventus now,” even for Real Madrid, as the club is really going places.

The Bianconeri have won two consecutive Scudetti and reached the Champions League quarter-finals, but have reinforced with Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente.

“Every summer I hear transfer stories around me or Claudio Marchisio, but a lot of it is fantasy football,” the defender told Tuttosport.

http://markting10.nl/

“Beppe Marotta said clearly that this is not a selling club. Besides, it would be crazy to leave Juventus now that the project is taking off, even if Real Madrid came calling.

“Just think about it, who would’ve imagined Antonio Conte winning the Scudetto in his first season? Can you remember the US pre-season tour? We really struggled in friendlies and things weren’t going well, yet we arrived ahead of schedule. Now we’ve added a few extra players, learned to know each other and are more solid.”

Chiellini was asked about Real Madrid’s reported €120m offer for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.

“It’s a completely different reality and we cannot think of competing with Real Madrid or Barcelona. Let me also remind you that the club that spends the most money doesn’t always win. Just look at Borussia Dortmund.

“We too can look to the future with great confidence and enthusiasm. We’ve reinforced and signed players who can help us in our growth process.”

Juventus were beaten 3-1 by LA Galaxy last night, confirming their poor pre-season form with not a single victory against a big club.

“Let’s just say that at Juve we run a lot without the ball in training, which isn’t so common abroad. In these two years Conte has increased the fitness work, so now we suffer less over long distances. For those who arrive, not being accustomed to certain rhythms, they do struggle.”

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini: Talent not enough …

Aug 12, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini says Juventus will have to sweat on a daily basis if they are to keep winning trophies.

The Old Lady will start the season as favourites for a third straight title after strengthening on the transfer market.

However, boss Antonio Conte has spoken of his concerns that his side may not be as hungry or as focused as over the last 24 months. Their pre-season form has also been average.

“Conte is right because talent needs to be cultivated on a daily basis with hard work,” the defender told Tuttosport.

http://markting10.nl/

“We know that you can only achieve certain objectives by working. And we want to confirm ourselves in Italy and improve in Europe. They are our targets.”

Juventus will get back to competitive action on Sunday when they will face Lazio in the Italian Super Cup tie.

“It is normal that there is tiredness and a lack of brilliance at this point of the season, but we are growing. And we’ll certainly be ready for an important appointment on August 18.

“We want to win the Super Cup as much as Lazio. We want to start the season on the right foot and, on Sunday, the pitch will finally do the talking.”

Chiellini also admitted that Juventus will be aiming to get past the quarter-final stages of the Champions League this term after falling at that point to Bayern Munich in 2012-13.

“Last season we beat the holders in Chelsea, dominating our home game with great authority, in the Champions League,” he continued.

“Obviously though, when you play the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, you have to take them on at your best physically.”

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus must fight to improve, says Chiellini

The defender has echoed his coach's call for the team to work hard on and off the pitch
if they are to defend their Serie A crown and mount a challenge for the Champions League.

Aug 12, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini has called on his Juventus team-mates to battle even harder this season if they are to challenge for silverware.

The reigning Serie A champions have thus far endured a miserable pre-season, including a 3-1 defeat to LA Galaxy that prompted coach Antonio Conte to question the work ethic of his players.

Chiellini has backed his boss's sentiments, urging his fellow Bianconeri stars to work hard both on and off the pitch in order to defend their domestic crown and mount a challenge in Europe.

"Conte is correct - talent needs to be nurtured on a daily basis with hard work,” the 28-year-old told Tuttosport.

http://markting10.nl/

“We know that you can only achieve certain targets by working. And we want to affirm our place in Italy and improve in Europe.

“Last season we beat the holders in Chelsea, dominating our home game with great authority in the Champions League. Obviously, though, when you play the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, you have to take them on at your physical best.”

Juventus face Lazio in the Supercoppa on Sunday and Chiellini is convinced their stuttering pre-season form will not affect their chances against the Biancoceleste.

“It's normal to have tiredness and a lack of spark at this point of the season, but we are growing and we’ll certainly be ready for an important meeting on August 18," he continued.

“We want to win the Supercoppa as much as Lazio. We want to start the season on the right foot and, on Sunday, the pitch is where we will ultimately be doing the talking.”

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini blames Italy fitness

Aug 15, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini believes a difference in fitness levels was one of the main reasons why Italy lost 2-1 to Argentina on Wednesday.

“Argentina have some really good players in attack,” the Juventus man noted. “We worked hard, but we probably paid the price for starting pre-season later than many of them.

“It was clear out there – we were always second to the ball and we were not able to stay as compact as we would have wanted.

http://markting10.nl/

“We wanted to beat Argentina because it is important to do so in games like this.”

Chiellini, who celebrated his 29th birthday this week, was partnered in central defence by Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

“Daniele has the quality to play in that role,” added the former Livorno and Fiorentina left-back. “He’s just missing the consistency of being used there.”

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini respects hunger of Inter

Aug 16, 2013

Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini believes Inter will be a side to keep a close eye on during the 2013-14 campaign.

Although the stopper doesn’t rank the Nerazzurri as one of the favourites for the Scudetto, he’s respectful of their potential.

“I think that Napoli and Milan have a bit more than the rest of the teams, even if Fiorentina have bought well this summer,” he said when asked about Juve’s possible Scudetto rivals.

http://markting10.nl/

“Inter, meanwhile, will start from last season’s ninth-placed finish and they can only improve,” continued the former Livorno left-back.

“They will be a dangerous side because they will be hungry to hit back and we, a few years ago, demonstrated how much desire counts.”

The Old Lady came back from two successive seventh-place finishes in the Italian top-flight to win back-to-back titles.

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini: 'Lazio want revenge'

Aug 27, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini admits Milan’s defeat to Verona was “surprising” and expects Lazio will want revenge for their Super Cup hammering.

The campaign kicked off at the weekend and Juventus are on top of the table after their 1-0 win away to Sampdoria.

http://markting10.nl/

“Milan’s result was a little surprising, even if I had predicted some difficulties, because it always is tough against a newly-promoted side,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.

“I thought they would struggle, but would never have imagined a defeat. I am happy for Luca Toni, as I didn’t expect him to still be playing at that level.”

Juve’s next match is against Lazio, who were destroyed 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in the Italian Super Cup just over a week ago.

“In all honesty, I would’ve preferred to wait more before meeting Lazio again. So few days have gone by since the Super Cup and nobody thinks the 4-0 represents a realistic gap between the teams. We did well to make the most of the opportunities, but it will be a very difficult game.

“Plus Lazio will bring out something more to take revenge for the result, so we will have to be extremely careful. We want to continue winning in Serie A.”

The Bianconeri are also waiting for the Champions League draw and Chiellini knows which name he doesn’t want to pick.

“If I had to name a club to avoid, I’d say it was better to face Bayern Munich later in the competition.”

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini admits Bayern fear

The 29-year-old has admitted he does not want to face the treble-winners
in Europe following a 4-0 aggregate mauling last season.

Aug 27, 2013

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has revealed he fears being drawn with Bayern Munich in the group stages of the Champions League.

Antonio Conte's men were humbled 4-0 on aggregate in the quarter-final stage of last season's tournament by the German champions, who ultimately won the competition.

http://markting10.nl/

And the 29-year-old, who started both clashes against Jupp Heynckes' men last term, has admitted he is dreading the prospect of being drawn alongside the Bavarians once again in Thursday's draw.

He told the club's official website: "If I had to choose one team for us to avoid, it would be Bayern Munich.

"But we will take each game as it comes and take stock of what happens afterwards.

"The Champions League must not be an objective, but instead a dream for us to pursue."

The Italian champions will be drawn from Pot three for Thursday's draw in Monaco, which takes place at 16:45 BST.

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini wary of Bulgaria threat

Sep 5, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini has warned his Italy teammates not to underestimate the threat posed by Bulgaria tomorrow.

http://markting10.nl/

The Azzurri face the Eastern Europeans in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Palermo, and the Juventus defender has claimed that his side are focused on making the tournament in Brazil, and has insisted that club loyalties will not get in the way.

“Italy are not guided by a Juve block,” he told reporters. “They are too many players from different clubs for that to happen.

“There are a lot of players from Milan, for example. What we do at club level gives us confidence at international level, certainly.

“But we are a very united group. Everything goes beyond the individual clubs.

“We have not qualified yet, so we cannot underestimate Bulgaria. They are an excellent side.

“We want to achieve our goal as soon as possible, so we have to concentrate on playing as well as possible in Palermo.”

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini: 'We felt cursed...'

Sep 11, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini feared the match with the Czech Republic was “cursed,” but sent Italy on their way to the World Cup.

Mario Balotelli hit the bar and missed several sitters as the Azzurri went into the break 1-0 down, but Chiellini’s header and a Balotelli penalty sealed the 2-1 victory in Turin.

http://markting10.nl/

“The Coach just told Balotelli to relax, as we knew he’d score sooner or later. He is a decisive player and we saw that again tonight,” the defender told RAI Sport.

“He will probably never miss those chances again in his career! It was strange to see him miss, so we were starting to fear it was a cursed game, but we started out strong in the second half because we wanted this celebration at all costs tonight.

“We know our limitations and our qualities. On the field you must help each other out to hide the defects and make the most of our many positives.

“We might not have the best individuals in the world, but as a collective on the field we make everyone raise their game.

“We certainly cannot give away these chances at the World Cup. I don’t believe it was a dip in tension or concentration, but rather a lack of sharpness as we pushed so hard to fight back that we were tired. I think it’s clear that without concentration this squad won’t get far!”

Italy and Holland have already qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“I’d put Spain and Brazil as the favourites.”

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini: Juventus must improve in defence

The defender feels the Bianconeri will fall short domestically
and in Europe if they fail to address their current problems at the back.

Sep 30, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini has stressed that Juventus must improve in defence if they are to be successful this season.

http://markting10.nl/

The Italian champions kept their second clean sheet of the Serie A season in this weekend's 1-0 victory over rivals Torino, but Chiellini feels they still have plenty of room for improvement at the back.

"We have to improve in certain aspects," the 29-year-old told Corriere dello Sport.

"We’ve conceded a few goals this season due to a lack of focus, even if we have managed to win almost all of our games.

"Saying that, against Torino, we ran no risks at all at the back."

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini: 'Mexes, it's not football'

Oct 6, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini hopes Philippe Mexes is banned for punching him in the head. “This is not football.”

The Juventus defender scored in the 3-2 victory over Milan, but was also involved in an ugly tussle with the Frenchman – later sent off for a different incident.

http://markting10.nl/

“We didn’t have to give an answer to anyone. It’s a victory, but we can’t enjoy it fully as we once again conceded a late goal and risked letting Milan draw. If we’d conceded that Zapata header, we should’ve been left without sleep for a week,” confessed Chiellini on Sky Sport Italia.

“If we want to be a great team, we have to improve these things. The first goal I can accept, as it was a ricochet and Muntari reacted well.

“We fought back and had finished the game 3-1 up with Milan down to 10, but we almost let them back in.”

http://markting10.nl/

He was asked whether he had a particular dedication to make, for example to one of his opponents...

“I dedicate it to myself, my girlfriend and my family. As for opponents, the pitch speaks for itself.

“Some people are repeat offenders. Toughness and determination in football should be praised, because you have a hard tackle and shake hands, but this is not football.

http://markting10.nl/

“This sort of thing needs to be punished heavily, because it is not fair play and it is not football. I’ve had some tough tackles in my time, but I don’t recall ever doing that.

“As for the goal, I think I was helped by sliding in because I’m used to that movement, being a defender. It was also my third goal with my right foot in the last two months! I’m not good at using it elsewhere, but at least for the goals it’s nice.”

[Socrates 7971]

'Balotelli is not indispensable for Italy' - Chiellini

The defender played down the absence of the enigmatic striker and says recent
reports of Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli going to Juventus after the World Cup are untrue.

Oct 12, 2013

Italy stopper Giorgio Chiellini has claimed the team is not dependant on Mario Balotelli, even after they drew 2-2 against Denmark on Friday.

http://markting10.nl/

The AC Milan striker missed the World Cup qualifying match due to illness, but Chiellini refused to attribute the draw in Copenhagen to his absence.

"Nobody is indispensable," the defender told reporters at a press conference. "This is and always will be Balotelli’s Italy, even if it is possible to play without him.

"Mario has been unlucky because he picked up an injury in the first training session and then had a fever. I do not care if he annoys someone, that is the story of his career."

http://markting10.nl/

Meanwhile, Cesare Prandelli has been linked to the Juventus dugout after his contract with the Azzurri expires next year after the World Cup, but Chiellini has dubbed such reports as pure speculation.

"I think it is fantasy football, as we are so tied to [Antonio] Conte at Juventus and Prandelli for Italy," he continued.

"We are carrying out a good project with him here [for Italy], but everything else is really fantasy football."

http://markting10.nl/

Chiellini then moved to play down his club's admission that they are resigned to losing Turin prodigy Paul Pogba at some point in the future.

"The statements about Pogba are nothing striking. In the face of a big offer, no player is not for sale," the 29-year-old said.

"It does not mean that Juventus have put Pogba on the market - he'd have been sold this summer if that was the case.

http://markting10.nl/

"I hope that Paul stays with us for a long time, and I am sure he will soon renew his contract. But as for the future, no one can safely say."

Pogba joined the Bianconeri in 2012 on a free transfer from Manchester United, and has since established himself as a mainstay for the Italian champions.

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini: 'No Prandelli to Juve'

Oct 12, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini laughed off rumours linking Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli to Juventus and defended Mario Balotelli.

http://markting10.nl/

The defender spoke at a Press conference at the Coverciano training ground after last night’s 2-2 World Cup qualifier in Denmark.

“The next game with Armenia will not be pointless, as we want to end the campaign unbeaten,” said Chiellini.

“Balotelli’s absence from the stadium is not such a big deal, as he wasn’t feeling well. We hope he can be ready for Tuesday. Mario has been unlucky during this international get-together, because he picked up an injury in the first training session and then had a fever.

“This is and always will be Balotelli’s Italy, even if it is possible to play without him. Nobody is indispensable. Some people might not like Mario, but that’s the story of his career. The Nazionale helped him to calm some of the antipathy towards him.”

http://markting10.nl/

This week the papers also speculated that Prandelli will leave the Italy bench after the World Cup in order to take over at Juventus.

“I think all this is premature, as we are so tied to Antonio Conte at Juventus and Prandelli for Italy. We are doing well and cannot help but speak highly of Prandelli, but these rumours of him joining Juventus are just fantasy football.

http://markting10.nl/

“Roma surprised everyone, as I did not expect them to start with seven consecutive victories. They are also playing great football and at times remind me of the Juventus we saw two years ago, especially in their enthusiasm to overcome difficult situations.

“They have such energy that it allows them to do anything. It is exciting to watch them play. They can be stopped, just as all teams can be stopped, but I hope they are not too consistent like this.

“Considering the fixture list Juventus have had a good start and we must continue taking it one game at a time.”

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini: 'New spark in Juventus'

Oct 27, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini insists the defeat to Real Madrid “sparked something within” Juventus that they’ll unleash on Genoa.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri were beaten 2-1 after Chiellini’s controversial red card on Wednesday, their second consecutive defeat in all competition.

They aim to get back on track this afternoon against Genoa.

“Mistakes can happen and are part of the sport,” Chiellini told the Corriere dello Sport.

http://markting10.nl/

“The penalty is in the past now, along with Cristiano Ronaldo’s attitude. There’s no point looking for controversy, so we have to focus on Genoa and Alberto Gilardino.

“Despite the defeat in Madrid, we realised that we can battle it out with the top clubs. We emerged with our heads held high and it sparked something within us, something that had recently been lost.

http://markting10.nl/

“Now the step up in quality will be repeating that performance against Genoa, Catania and Parma. We must begin again from Real Madrid and forget the final 15 minutes against Fiorentina, where something completely unpredictable happened.”

Juve had been 2-0 up in Florence last week only to lose 4-2.

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini hails aggressive Juventus

Oct 28, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini is delighted that the real Juventus turned up in the 2-0 win over Genoa on Sunday.

http://markting10.nl/

The Old Lady have had a problematic start to the season and went into the Rossoblu tie following defeats at Fiorentina and Real Madrid.

“We analysed everything over the past few days and saw that certain things could have gone differently,” the centre-back commented.

“But I can say that I saw the right spark in Madrid and today we once again saw another Juventus, ruthless and aggressive, just as the Coach wants.

http://markting10.nl/

“We started with the right anger, the right aggression and swarmed Genoa in the first half. Only an inspired Mattia Perin performance [in goal] prevented us from adding to our tally.

“It was a true Juve performance. Now we’ll be confident in approaching Wednesday’s game against Catania.”

The Old Lady have dropped just five points in Serie A this season, but they remain adrift of leaders Roma who have a 100 per cent record after nine games.

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini’s apology to Bergessio

Oct 31, 2013

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has apologised to Gonzalo Bergessio after his tackle on the Catania man resulted in a fractured fibula.

http://markting10.nl/

The Argentine picked up the break in the 4-0 loss at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday evening.

“I wanted to publicly apologise to Bergessio for that foul that caused his injury,” the Italian noted on Twitter.

“I certainly made that challenge to win the ball, but he got there first and unfortunately I struck him on the leg.

http://markting10.nl/

“I am really sorry and I want to wish him a speedy recovery.”

While the challenge left Catania President Antonino Pulvirenti furious, the centre-forward has defended the stopper.

http://markting10.nl/

“These things happen,” responded the South American via the same social media. “He didn’t do it on purpose. All is well.”

Bergessio is set to be sidelined for around two or three months.

[Socrates 7971]

Cannavaro: 'Chiellini's not nasty'

Nov 2, 2013

Fabio Cannavaro has joined the debate over Giorgio Chiellini and defended the Juventus man. “He’s not nasty.”

http://markting10.nl/

Chiellini has been under fire this week after fracturing Gonzalo Bergessio’s fibula, ruling the Catania striker out for at least two months.

“Sometimes Giorgio is so eager to get the ball that he goes in too hard, but he is not nasty,” assured Cannavaro on Radio Kiss Kiss.

http://markting10.nl/

“He once did a tackle on me that forced me to miss an entire European Championship, but I repeat he is not a nasty person.”

[Socrates 7971]

'Juventus will not be intimidated
by Galatasaray,' insists Chiellini

The versatile centre-half is well aware that their European fate is likely to be decided
in Istanbul next month but he is not concerned by the hostile atmosphere that awaits.

Nov 17, 2013

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini remains confident that his side can progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League - even though they face a daunting showdown with Galatasaray.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri have picked up just three points from their first four games and face Danish side Copenhagen at home next week before a potentially decisive trip to Turkey.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Chiellini insisted his side will not be upset by the likely hostile atmosphere that awaits them in Instanbul.

“We will not be intimidated by the whistles and screams from the crowd," the Italy international declared.

http://markting10.nl/

"Of course, the home team can benefit from the atmosphere and give their best, but we will not let it affect us.

"Though I should also point out we have a tough game against Copenhagen first.”

Chiellini also took time to praise his manager Antonio Conte for rejuvenating the club following his arrival from Siena in 2011.

http://markting10.nl/

"He is very good - he evaluates everything according to the moment," the versatile centre-half explained.

"I never thought he could change so much in so little time. I lived through both seventh-placed finishes [before Conte's arrival], which were much worse than Calciopoli and Serie B.

"To immediately recover and win the league unbeaten will remain forever in the history of Juventus as unique and special.”

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini: 'Conte is a psychologist'

Nov 17, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini reveals the greatest strength Antonio Conte has as a Coach is “the psychological aspect.”

http://markting10.nl/

The defender spoke to Tuttosport about his time in Turin under the double Scudetto-winning tactician.

“I think the psychological aspect is the most difficult for a Coach, but that is where Conte excels. He evaluates everything based on moments, people and needs. At times all it takes is a glance, at others a speech. He doesn’t need to send messages just with words.

“I didn’t think he’d be able to change us so much and so quickly. I went through the ‘dark years’ of finishing in seventh place, which were much worse than Calciopoli and being demoted to Serie B.

http://markting10.nl/

“To get right back up and in fact win the title unbeaten will always remain in the history of Juventus. It was unique and special.

“Now the challenge is even tougher, as we can become the first post-War Juventus side to win three Scudetti in a row.

“This is now the strongest squad of the Conte era, as we raised the bar with new signings and our overall growth over time. Now we have to prove that on the field.”

http://markting10.nl/

However, the Bianconeri have been shakier at the back than in recent years and Chiellini hit back at criticism.

“When things go well, the defence seems to be an iron curtain, but when they go badly the blame all falls to us back there. I simply believe in the first part of the season the team was a little rusty and that leads to conceding goals.

http://markting10.nl/

“In any case, other than the incredible blackout in Florence, we had an almost perfect march.”

Juve had been leading that game 2-0 before capitulating 4-2 to Fiorentina in the final 20 minutes.

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini: 'Juve threw it away'

Dec 11, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini feels Galatasaray-Juventus should’ve been a draw, but concedes “we threw qualification away.”

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri needed a point in Istanbul to stay in the Champions League, but lost 1-0 in a game that was played out over two days due to snow and hail.

“We were unable to achieve the objective of the last 16 and it’s a shame, because today we couldn’t play football on a terrible pitch,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

“This game had 0-0 written all over it and there is a bitter taste in the mouth looking at our journey, because we could’ve reached this game with qualification already assured.

http://markting10.nl/

“The two biggest errors were away to Copenhagen and at home with Galatasaray, where we threw qualification away.

“Yesterday when we were actually in a condition to play football, we allowed nothing to the Turkish side, whereas today we could only hang on until the 85th minute. With a different pitch, it probably would’ve finished with another result.”

Juve were eliminated from the Champions League after just one victory in six group games, earned at home to bottom club Copenhagen.

http://markting10.nl/

“The regret remains that we compromised qualification with the opening two matches of the group,” continued Chiellini.

“Now the Europa League must give us the push to continue our growth process. After all, last season Chelsea were eliminated from the Champions League and went on to lift that trophy.

“It is too early to talk about the fact the Final will be in Turin, because there is such a long way to go including the Serie A and Coppa Italia fixtures.

http://markting10.nl/

“It will be important to reach the European games with the right mentality and concentration.”

[Socrates 7971]

Chiellini set for 300 mark

Dec 27, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini will make his 300th appearance for Juventus should he feature in the game against Roma at the start of the New Year.

http://markting10.nl/

The central defender, who was originally used as a left-back in Turin, has made 299 appearances for the Old Lady since making his debut in 2005.

Chiellini has featured in 211 Serie A games [18 goals], 32 [3] in Serie B, 13 [1] in the Coppa Italia, one in the Super Cup, 31 [1] in the Champions League and 11 [2] in the UEFA CUP/Europa League.

http://markting10.nl/

Juve signed Chiellini from Livorno in 2004 for around €6m, but he spent the 2004-05 campaign at Fiorentina.