Giorgio Chiellini

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini nears Juve return

http://www.football-italia.net/81006/chiellini-nears-juve-return?

Mar 9, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini will reportedly return to Juventus training today or tomorrow and could be fit in time for Bayern Munich.

The defender has struggled with injury recently and was once again sidelined after limping off during the 2-0 Serie A win over Inter on 28 February.

Corriere dello Sport reports that the Italy international will return to train with the group either today or tomorrow.

The outlet believes that he won’t recover in time to face Sassuolo on Friday but will continue to work towards being available to face Bayern in the Champions League next Wednesday.

Stefano Sturaro is also nearing a full recovery and should be able to face the Neroverdi, while the newspaper believes that Max Allegri could opt for a 4-4-2 formation for the Serie A clash.

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini: ‘We’ve done nothing yet’

http://www.football-italia.net/81040/chiellini-%E2%80%98we%E2%80%99ve-done-nothing-yet%E2%80%99?

Mar 9, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini gives a rallying cry to his Juventus teammates - “we’ve done nothing yet!”

The Bianconeri have recovered from a poor start to the season, sitting three points clear at the top of Serie A having already secured a place in the Coppa Italia final.

“We’re not totally satisfied yet,” Chiellini told journalist Pierluigi Pardo at a sponsor’s event.

“We’re close to a lot of things, but we haven’t done anything yet. There’s still plenty to do, with Sassuolo, Bayern [Munich] and Torino [the next three games].

“I repeat: we’re close, but we’ve done nothing yet. In 10 days everything could change.

“Last season was almost stratospheric, we were on the verge of history. We went close to winning the Champions League, but when the game finished we knew we could’ve done better.

“We were a bit unbalanced in the Champions League final, we took too long to find the right path. If we have another opportunity we’ll arrive better prepared.”

Chiellini also discussed his own career, and explained his rise to the top of the game.

“I wasn't blessed with extraordinary talent, but with hard work I’ve achieved my objectives. Passion is a fire that feeds me and keeps me coming back, if I didn’t have that it’d be over.

“At Juve they train you to train, certain values are encouraged. As a teenager it meant you had to give more things up, but when you grow up you realise how lucky you were.”

Finally, the Italian international was asked how his game has developed over the years.

“In the last few years the role of the defender has been re-evaluated,” Chiellini admitted.

“Everyone has to be good at understanding their role. Experience helps you to read certain situations better and make less mistakes in terms of behaviour.

“Knowledge of the opponent is essential too, individually as well as the team.

“How do you mark Cristiano Ronaldo? You try not to leave him alone, don’t let him shoot on his right foot.

“And Lionel Messi? Just make the sign of the cross…”

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini nears Juventus return

http://www.football-italia.net/82072/chiellini-nears-juventus-return?

Mar 30, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini returned to Juventus training today, but concern remains over Paulo Dybala, Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Barzagli.

Chiellini has been battling a calf injury, briefly returning for the win over Inter in February before breaking down again.

The Bianconeri’s official website has today confirmed that the centre-back returned to training with the rest of the squad at Vinovo.

However, Dybala, Marchisio and Barzagli - who are also carrying injuries - continued to work separately, putting them in doubt for the visit of Empoli on Saturday.

Sami Khedira and Alex Sandro were given a day of recovery as they are suspended for the Empoli game, while Mario Lemina and Juan Cuadrado are yet to return from international duty.

Earlier today it was announced that Leonardo Bonucci will face only three days out after an injury while on Italy duty.

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini: ‘Scudetto decided in April’

http://www.football-italia.net/82119/chiellini-%E2%80%98scudetto-decided-april%E2%80%99?

Mar 31, 2016

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini dismisses refereeing controversy, and expects the Scudetto race to run until at least late April.

Before the international break the Bianconeri beat city rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole, but there was controversy as the agent of Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain accused referee Nicola Rizzoli of “helping” the League leaders.

The Partenopei are three points behind at the Serie A summit, and the Italian international expects the title race to go all the way.

“Recent events don’t change anything at all,” Chiellini shrugged, speaking to Premium Sport.

“We’ve shown on the pitch that we’re the strongest, but we have opponents behind us [Napoli] who won’t give up, a team that is having a great season.

“It’s up to us to keep them as far away as possible. The League will be decided later, after the weekend of April 24 and 25 when we’re in Florence [to face Fiorentina] and they’re in Rome.

“It’s possible we could have almost decisive results then.”

[Socrates 7962]

Juventus defender Chiellini out
for three weeks with thigh injury

The Italy international will sit out a key portion of his side's Serie A title challenge
due to an injury picked up in Saturday's win over Empoli that saw them extend their lead.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/04/04/22017322/-?

Apr 4, 2016

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will miss almost three weeks of action with an injury to his right thigh.

The Italy international limped off in the second half of the Serie A champions' 1-0 win over Empoli on Saturday, a victory that stretched their lead at the top of the table to six points with seven matches remaining.

Chiellini subsequently underwent tests on the injury and Juve confirmed that the centre-back will be out for around 20 days.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Having exited the field of play during the second half of Juventus' win over Empoli on Saturday evening, Giorgio Chiellini underwent tests, which revealed a first-grade tear in the adductor longus muscle in his right thigh.

"The defender will be out of action for approximately 20 days."

Chiellini subsequently misses Serie A matches against Milan, Palermo and Lazio and is in doubt for the trip to Fiorentina on April 24.

[Socrates 7962]

Giorgio Chiellini injury: Juventus defender ruled
out three weeks with tear in right thigh

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/4/4/11362842/giorgio-chiellini-injury-juventus-2016-serie-a

Apr 4, 2016

In case you've been living under a rock the last couple of months, Giorgio Chiellini has developed a pattern lately. He gets hurt, then comes back, and then gets hurt again. It's something that's like that awful pop song you can't seem to escape on the radio — over and over again, stuck on repeat with no official end in sight.

The latest edition of this came on Saturday when Chiellini had to be subbed off in the second half of Juventus' 1-0 win over Empoli after picking up yet another injury. Come Monday as morning turned to afternoon in Turin, the official diagnosis has been revealed, with the veteran defender set to miss another couple of weeks due to picking up a right thigh injury.

From the always-busy Juventus injury update team:

Having exited the field of play during the second half of Juventus' win over Empoli on Saturday evening, Giorgio Chiellini underwent tests this afternoon, which revealed a first-grade tear in the adductor longus muscle in his right thigh.

The defender will be out of action for approximately 20 days.

And I hope on the 21st day I am not sitting here writing about Chiellini getting injured again. But that's just me.

Today is April 4, so if the 20-day stays true to form and Chiellini doesn't try to come back after 48 hours on the sidelines, it means he will miss the following games:

April 9: Juventus at Milan

April 17: Palermo at Juventus

April 20: Lazio at Juventus

April 24: Juventus at Fiorentina

With the way Daniele Rugani is playing these days, Chiellini missing the four games above might be a bigger deal than it would have been in previous seasons. That's a good thing, although now Juve's depth at center back is completely zapped and non-existent. I guess the good thing is that Max Allegri has shown a comfort level with fielding a 3-5-2 when only three central defenders are available to him. And we all know he doesn't mind switching around the formation if need be.

Above all else, though, I just want Chiellini to be actually 100 percent healthy and not continue to see his season be taken over by 50-minute appearances in his first game back after the last injury layoff. Having Chiellini play a couple of games in succession now seems like it would be a somewhat big development based on how things have gone lately. Just get healthy, man, that's all we can ask of you at this point.

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini returns to training

http://www.football-italia.net/83158/chiellini-returns-training

Apr 21, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini and Roberto Pereyra trained with the Juventus team for part of the session today.

Chiellini has not completed 90 minutes in Serie A since January, as he’s struggled with recurring muscular injuries, while Pereyra has also struggled to stay fit this term.

“Giorgio Chiellini and Roberto Pereyra participated in part of the session with the group,” the Bianconeri’s official website confirmed.

“Players who played yesterday against Lazio were limited to recovery work, while the rest of the team had basic athletic and technical exercises.”

With just four games to go until the end of the season, the a fifth-consecutive Scudetto is all-but secure for the Old Lady, but Chiellini is looking to be fit for the Coppa Italia final, then Euro 2016 with Italy.

[Socrates 7962]

Juventus rule out defender Giorgio Chiellini
for 15 to 20 days with right knee injury

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/4/24/11497954/giorgio-chiellini-injury-juventus-2016-serie-a-coppa-italia

Apr 24, 2016

It's been an eventful couple of months for Giorgio Chiellini. Not because of how often he's played or how his form is. It's kind of the opposite, actually. Since the start of February, Chiellini has played in all of three — yes, THREE! — games because he's been picking up one injury after another.

Time to tack another Chiellini injury onto the list. It's been that kind of season for everybody's favorite part-time nerd, part-time wrecking ball of a defender. Here's the nuts-and-bolts announcement from Juventus' official website:

Giorgio Chiellini today underwent an MRI scan that revealed a light tear of the medial collateral ligament in the defender's right knee.

He is expected to return to competitive action within the next 15 to 20 days.

They sound as grumpy about this latest Chiellini injury as I am. I don't blame them, either.

Not only does this put Chiellini's status for the final three Serie A games of the season at risk, but also the Coppa Italia final against Milan on May 21. That obviously is more than the 15-to-20-day timetable given. But what has shown us that Chiellini is going to be able to recover and hit full match fitness in time for Juventus to defend their Coppa Italia?

It's just been one of those years — or couple of months, specifically — where what can go wrong has gone wrong for one of Europe's best defenders. Thank goodness there's Daniele Rugani around to take Chiellini's spot. That's the only good thing to come out of Chiellini's handful of injuries these past few months. So we've got that going for us, which is nice.

[Socrates 7962]

Official: Chiellini out 2-3 weeks

http://www.football-italia.net/83333/official-chiellini-out-2-3-weeks

Apr 24, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini has been diagnosed with tear of his knee ligament and will be back in 15 to 20 days, as confirmed by the club.

The defender had a nightmare season in terms of injuries and still hasn't played a full game since January. With the Coppa Italia final against Milan scheduled for May 21, the current set-back could prove decisive.

“Giorgio Chiellini today underwent an MRI scan that revealed a light tear of the medial collateral ligament in the defender’s right knee,” says an official statement on Juventus' page.

“He is expected to return to competitive action within the next 15 to 20 days.”

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini sparks Fenerbahce talk

http://www.football-italia.net/83586/chiellini-sparks-fenerbahce-talk?

Apr 29, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini was spotted in Istanbul, fuelling rumours of interest from Fenerbahce for the Juventus defender.

Turkish media published a photograph of Chiellini standing next to a local reporter.

He is believed to be a target for Fenerbahce to replace Bruno Alves, whose contract is due to expire on June 30.

However, Sky Sport Italia claim the photograph in question is actually three years old!

Chiellini has been dealing with continual injury problems all season, both muscular and most recently a sprained right knee.

While Fenerbahce may well be interested, it’s highly unlikely Juve would sell one of their most representative players.

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini: ‘Not impossible for Italy’

http://www.football-italia.net/84861/chiellini-%E2%80%98not-impossible-italy%E2%80%99

May 24, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini says Italy go to Euro 2016 “with the knowledge we can do something important, even if it seems impossible”.

The Azzurri are without Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti for the tournament in France this summer, with many playing down their chances.

However, after coming back to win the Scudetto with club side Juventus, the centre-back is looking to take the same spirit to the national team.

“What will I take from this season with Juventus?” Chiellini considered at a sponsors’ event.

“The knowledge we can do something important, even if it seems impossible. That’s what we have to convey to our teammates in the national team.

“It will be a great group and we’ll give everything. Unfortunately, injuries are just part of the game.

“When the CT Conte chooses his 23 we’ll go to France with the desire to do well. We’ve started from second on the grid on other occasions, it doesn’t change anything for us.


“What matters is being aware of our strengths and our weaknesses: we’ll be prepared in France.”

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini: ‘Alves would be welcome’

http://www.football-italia.net/85012/chiellini-%E2%80%98alves-would-be-welcome%E2%80%99?

May 27, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini says it’s “a source of pride” for Juventus to be linked with Dani Alves.

The Barcelona full-back is believed to be close to agreeing a move to the Italian champions, and the defender was asked about it while on Italy duty.



“The Champions League final? We’ll be watching as disinterested spectators,” Chiellini told assembled media, when it was pointed out Alves has won the competition three times.

“I hope Dani Alves will still play in many others, but not in a Barcelona shirt…

“We’re happy with the path Juventus are on, everyone wants to keep improving. Many years ago, people didn’t want to come here, so it’s a source of pride for us to be linked to these players.

“After saying goodbye to Pirlo, Tevez and Vidal it seemed there’d be no tomorrow, but that wasn’t the case.

“The same thing will happen when Buffon, Barzagli and Chiellini leave.”

[Socrates 7962]

Defence can lead Italy to Euro success - Chiellini

The Azzurri made the final last time round only to fall to Spain, but the Juve
star believes strength at the back can lead Antonio Conte's men to glory in France.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/7157/euro-2016/2016/05/27/23985692/-?

May 27, 2016

Italy's defensive solidity can lead them to success at Euro 2016, says Giorgio Chiellini.

The 2012 European Championship runners-up cruised through their qualification group for the upcoming tournament, but have been hit with injuries to key players such as Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti.

However, Juventus centre-back Chiellini thinks Italy will fare better than at the 2014 World Cup, when they crashed out in the pool stages.


"The Euros are a different competition from the World Cup, it's not a clash of completely different styles," he told a media conference.

"In my opinion there will be much more balanced play, and our strength must be our solidity. We have to make sure we don't concede much and win matches that way. Italy will have to be a team which wins 1-0, 2-0. Not 4-3."

Chiellini added: "We're aware of our potential, and there's a huge desire to play in tournaments like this. A win at international level always means something more.

"Italy have won the Euros once, so this would be a unique opportunity."

[Socrates 7962]

 

Chiellini: ‘Every game is crucial’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/85549/
chiellini-‘every-game-crucial’

Jun 8, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini warns Italy that “from June 13, every game will be crucial” as they prepare for Euro 2016.

The Azzurri flew out to Montpellier this afternoon for the European Championships, as they look to lift the trophy for the first time since 1968.

CT Antonio Conte has already said that the defence will be crucial, and two of the trio - Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini - spoke to UEFA’s official website.

“We hope to give the team a sense of security,” Chiellini explained.

“We want our teammates to play with the knowledge that they have a solid wall behind them. It’s an important issue, and we hope we can make a great contribution to the team throughout the tournament.

“With our experience we also have to help those players who are in their first or second tournament with the national team, to help them in this important step of this career.

“They’ll have played several games in qualifying, but the final tournament is a different thing.

“From June 13, every game will be crucial and everyone will have to play with the maximum intensity. We can’t afford to be fearful when we go onto the pitch.

“So it’s a double task for us, we have to do well on the pitch while also helping the less experienced lads.

“On the other hand, the younger ones will give us the typical enthusiasm of youth, that cockiness that we perhaps lack having already played in many tournaments like this.”

Conte is expected to deploy a three-man defence in France, but Chiellini would be happy in a back-four too.

“It doesn’t change anything for me. I think formations are based on the players available, and not vice-versa.

“That said, with the greatest respect it’d be a waste not to play me, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli if we’re all in top condition.

“We’ve shown that we can also play in a four if necessary, with Barzagli or me wider than normal. The important thing is to have balance all over the pitch.

“Are we the strongest defence in the world? That’s not for me to say. There are different styles of defending. Some defenders are better on the ball, others are more aggressive.

“We definitely know we have a good defence and we can do great things. But the best will be whoever wins at the end.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

EKDAL: ITALY'S CHIELLINI CAN

BE A SWINE ON THE PITCH

The former Juventus and Seina midfielder has warned his national team-mates

over the Azzurri captain's behaviour on the pitch, while praising Gianluigi Buffon.

 

http://www.goal.com/euro2016/en/article/chiellini-can-be-a-swine---ekdal-italy-sweden-euro-2016/1sne5siz7gjk71l1fbbujrxiut?

Jun 16, 2016

Sweden international Albin Ekdal has fond memories of his time alongside Giorgio Chiellini at Juventus, but has warned the defender can be "a swine" on the pitch ahead of his country's euro 2016 encounter with Italy.

Ekdal joined Juventus from Brommapojkarna ahead of the 2008-09 campaign to become team-mates with Chiellini, before leaving the Turin side for Siena the season after.

"Chiellini treated me, maybe not as a little brother but like a youth team player," Ekdal told Expressen.

"He drove me to training when I didn't have a driving licence and so on.

"On the pitch he can be a swine, though. He knows that himself but then everyone wants a player like that.

"We will have to try to wind him up but he is not an unwise swine. He doesn't do much off the ball but he likes to play-act and influence the referees. It's classic Italian stuff. I guess we will have to try to do the same."

Ekdal will also be reunited with Gianluigi Buffon when Sweden lock horns with Italy on Friday and the midfielder has nothing but praise for the legendary goalkeeper.

"He is an incredible guy. He is kind and looks after young players all the time. I have only fond memories of him," Ekdal added.

"He is the leader for this Italian team and is incredibly admired, not only in Italy but around the world. He spreads love and gets this team going. I think he is incredibly important for Italy."

[Socrates 7962]

 

Chiellini: 'Eder deserves glory'

http://www.football-italia.net/85988/chiellini-eder-deserves-glory

Jun 17, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini is happy “Eder gets this moment of glory” and thanks Andrea Barzagli for a good luck charm as Italy beat Sweden.

“It was a great move from Simone Zaza and Eder. Zaza has this extraordinary physicality, while Eder uses his pace and movement against very physical defenders,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.

“Eder had shown in training over the last few days that he had his scoring boots on, so we kind of expected it.

“I am glad Eder gets this moment of glory, as I think people struggle to accept the Oriundi and write horrible things at the first error, but they are committed to Italy and deserve more.”

Chiellini did battle with Zlatan Ibrahimovic throughout the match in Toulouse.

“The joy of football is in duels like this. Ibra is a great champion, certainly one of the best in the world. If it weren’t for Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he’d have many Ballon d’Or trophies at home.

“It might not have been our sharpest game, and we are well aware that we played badly in the first half, but if we maintain this solidity and determination then we can do good things in this tournament.”

During the warm-up, Barzagli stopped to bend down and ‘rescue’ a ladybird from the turf, handing it over to a member of the Italy staff.

A ladybird is believed to bring good luck in Italy, especially on Friday the 17^th (the Italian equivalent of Friday the 13^th).

“In life and football, good luck needs to be sought ought and well done to Barzagli for bringing some luck our way!”

[Socrates 7962]

Ibra: 'If I'd fought Chiellini...'

http://www.football-italia.net/85995/ibra-if-id-fought-chiellini

Jun 17, 2016

Zlatan Ibrahimovic joked about his duel with Giorgio Chiellini. “If we’d been fighting for real, he’d be in hospital.”

The striker revived his clash with Chiellini in Sweden’s 1-0 defeat to Italy at Euro 2016.

“In football you must stay concentrated for 90 minutes, otherwise you get punished by a team like Italy, and that’s exactly what happened today,” said Ibra.

“You can be meticulous for 89 minutes and then allow one chance to lose the game.

“Who did I like most out of the Italy squad? Nobody, they worked as a group very well, they surprised me positively.”

He was asked how his very physical fight with Chiellini went.

“If we’d been fighting for real, he’d be in hospital.”

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini 'cleared air' with Ekdal

http://www.football-italia.net/85999/chiellini-cleared-air-ekdal

Jun 17, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini “cleared the air” with Sweden midfielder Albin Ekdal, who called the Italy defender “a swine” on the pitch.

The pair met again in today’s 1-0 Azzurri victory in Toulouse.

In an interview the day before, ex-Juventus man Ekdal had revealed Chiellini “could be a swine” during match situations.

“He was certainly misunderstood,” Chiellini told Italian reporters.

“He is young and has to learn how to use his words better. He’s got a heart of gold, I know him well and we were very close. At the end of the game, we cleared the air.

“When he has a bit less hair and a bit more experience, he’ll be clearer in interviews and not fall into these traps.”

Ekdal also replied to this story via Twitter.

"Well done, I never insulted him... Compliments for today's victory."

[Socrates 7962]

Italy's united approach shut down Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sweden

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/6/17/11965220/italy-sweden-euro-2016-final-score-result

Jun 17, 2016

With its 1-0 win over Sweden on Friday afternoon, Italy is officially into the knockout round of the 2016 European Championship. Just two games in, Italy has already done better than it did at the World Cup two years earlier in Brazil. The win over Sweden was nothing close to pretty. It was nothing close to exciting. And if somebody tries to tell you that, you probably need to just walk away.

But what it did do is show us, once again, how this Italian team is constructed, and what it's going to continue to have to do if it wants to move on and come close to replicating the same kind of run it had in Euro 2012.

If Sweden's success starts with how Zlatan Ibrahimovic being Zlatan Ibrahimovic, then it's pretty easy to figure out that Italy's defense full of Juventus players was going to have to be the perfect counter to that. And, on a sunny day in Toulouse, that's exactly how it played out. it was a case where maybe one of Sweden's best chances came just as the final whistle blew.

For the second straight game to open Euro 2016, Sweden finished without a shot on goal. Against Italy, Zlatan and Co. had all of four shots total. FOUR. That's a regular game for some of the strikers currently playing in this tournament. But for a whole team? That's just ... not very good at all.

But unlike on Monday when Leonardo Bonucci was the far and away standout for Italy in its win over Belgium, there was no standout performer statistically. Who led Italy in tackles, according to WhoScored? The same guy who scored the game-winning goal in the dying embers of the second half, Eder. But when it came to clearances, it was three names at the back we are so familiar with as Juventus fans — Bonucci (5), Andrea Barzagli (4) and Giorgio Chiellini (3).

As much as some may say it was the pure ineffectiveness from the Sweden squad to get the job done and not create chances, there's a big reason for that as well — Italy's defense.

Let's face it: Antonio Conte knows what the strength of his team is, and he's certainly playing to it. He's relying on the Juventus spine to led the way, and, yeah, they're certainly playing to it.

It won't do anything to help those "Italy is defensive!" narratives that we always hear about before, during and after games, but that doesn't matter at this point because it's not like the Azzurri are some kind of offensive juggernaut lighting the tournament ablaze. Conte has found the recipe for success in his team's first two group games. And no matter how unattractive or boring it may be to those who don't root for Italy or want to see football with a flair, this is how Conte is going to play his cards.

He's playing his cards absolutely right, too.

This is Italy being the most Italy to the umpteenth degree. No, the Azzurri don't have the attacking talent like the last time they won a major tournament or anything close to it. But what they do have is a world-class backline that is showing it can shut down to very different but two dangerous groups of attackers thus far.

Or we could just forget the paragraphs above and let a cartoon from the Italian sports daily by the name of La Gazzetta dello Sport do the rest of the talking for us.

 

View image on Twitter

 

 Follow

LaGazzettadelloSport 

 

✔@Gazzetta_it

Lo schema è perfettamente riuscito #Ibrahimovic a secco, Italia agli ottavi #ItaliaSvezia #Azzurri #Euro2016

5:26 PM - 17 Jun 2016

•  
•  
•  
   486486 Retweets
•  
•  
   606606 likes

 

 

 

I like cartoons. They make me laugh. Same goes for when Chiellini has Ibra is his pocket over the course of 90 minutes.

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini: ‘Spain are Italy’s bogey team’

http://www.football-italia.net/86320/chiellini-‘spain-are-italy’s-bogey-team’

Jun 24, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini admits Spain are Italy’s “bogey team” after being knocked out by them in the past three European Championships.

The Azzurri face Vicente Del Bosque’s side on Monday in the Last 16 of Euro 2016, bringing back memories of defeat in the final in 2012.

“Spain have been our bogey team since 2008,” Chiellini admitted.

“The beginning of their golden period coincided with their win over us in Vienna in 2008. It was only in Kiev that we weren’t able to give them a game, we hadn’t been able to recover from our game against Germany.

“In all the others we saw more balanced games decided by incidents. Twice we went out on penalties [2008 and the 2013 Confederations Cup]. Indeed, in Fortaleza in the Confederations Cup we deserved to win.

“That’s how the game will be on Monday, I see it being balanced where details can make all the difference. There’s mutual respect, and every game is beautiful.

“It’s a shame that it’s in the second round, but it’ll be challenging.”

The Juventus defender was then asked how Italy can overcome La Roja, and pointed to his defensive colleagues.

“I did an interview with UEFA before we came here, where I emphasised that defence was Italy’s strong point.

“We’ve been playing together for years, we don’t just do our job well but we give security to our teammates around us.

“We’re aware of that double job we have to do, and the responsibility we have toward others. There’s no defender in the world who can do well without the help of the other four.

“We know how hard it’ll be, but our strength is our humility. It led us to beating Belgium and Sweden, which represented a small surprise. No-one expected Italy.

“We’d been designated as sacrificial lambs, some even said we’d already be home by the 27th. Instead we’re here.

“Now we meet a team which has quality, which is almost unbeatable on paper, but I’m sure that with a prudent game and by putting our qualities on show we can do well.”

Chiellini has a degree in economics from the University of Turin, so was inevitably asked about the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

“It’s a story which shocked everyone this morning,” the defender admitted.

“Yesterday we went to sleep thinking that Britain would remain in the EU. Unfortunately that didn’t happen, and I think the biggest concern is the domino effect that this choice could cause.

“I don’t think it’ll change the economy, the only concern is a referendum in other states. I’m sorry that, having worked hard to create Europe, this vote is a symbol of the discontent felt across Europe.

“We should come together, and look for a political solution for these problems.

“A referendum in Italy? I’m not convinced that Italy would support leaving Europe. When there’s discontent you vote for change, even without definitive plans and I think that’s what has happened in England.

“I’ve read so many things. It happened in such a short time and there’s sorrow for Britain’s exit from the European Union.

“Maybe it won’t change much, but it’s a bad signal from such an important nation.”

[Socrates 7962]

FORGET BALE, BENZEMA & RONALDO - FOOTBALL'S

ORIGINAL BBC IS BARZAGLI, BONUCCI & CHIELLINI

The star-studded Real Madrid trio have become synonymous with the acronym but

the brilliant backline of Juventus and Italy have been earning rave reviews for far longer.

 

http://www.goal.com/euro2016/en/article/forget-bale-benzema--ronaldo---

the-original-bbc-is-bonucci-barzagli--chiellini/182b93n42591z1t42xcvrcjjyz

Jun 27, 2016

Albin Ekdal has fond memories of Giorgio Chiellini from his short stint at Juventus. "He drove me to training when I didn't have a driving licence," the Sweden midfielder revealed ahead of last week's clash with Italy. "On the pitch, he can be a swine, though. He knows that himself but then, everyone wants a player like that." Italy have three of them - playing in the same defence.

Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci form the best backline in world football. Last week, the front page of the Gazzetta dello Sport was adorned with an image of the trio mocked up as characters from the Quentin Tarantino film 'Inglourious Basterds'. It was easy to understand why: Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini take no prisoners; they are three warriors who are as brilliant as they are brutal - and they are the reason why Italy are quietly confident of upsetting Spain in the last 16 of Euro 2016.

The Azzurri arrived in France with one of their most underwhelming squads in recent history. Their midfield had been significantly weakened by the injury-enforced absences of Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio, while there is not a single world-class striker in the attack. However, there were no doubts over the strength of their defence.

Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini have been playing together at Juventus since 2011 - and it is all down to current Italy boss Antonio Conte, who is now effectively reaping what he himself sowed. It was the Chelsea-bound coach who promptly decided that he would be better served by ditching his plans to play a flat back four in Turin and instead play the trio together. The results were spectacular, with Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini forming the backbone of a side that would win three successive Scudetti under Conte - and a further two under current coach Massimiliano Allegri.

They have now played 94 games alongside one another at Juve, racking up 63 wins, 20 draws and just 11 defeats, with the Bianconeri keeping clean sheets in more than half of those outings (51 matches).  

As Bonucci said recently, the three now know one another to "perfection". "Andrea and Giorgio are two great champions," the 29-year-old enthuses. "They know how to be very aggressive when playing with a three-man defence, while my role is to cover their backs when they press up high on forwards. They are two bulldogs and easily among the best defenders in the world."

Indeed, Barzagli and Chiellini allow Bonucci to serve as an extra playmaker for both club and country. The Viterbo native has wonderful vision and fantastic technique for a centre-half, as he so impressively illustrated with his Andrea Pirlo-like pass for Emanuele Giaccherini's opener against Belgium on matchday one.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has, unsurprisingly, insisted ahead of Monday's showdown in Saint Denis that the defending champions are not worried by the prospect of trying to break down Italy. However, Alvaro Morata's thoughts on facing his ex-Juventus team-mates were telling.

The striker, who is returning to the Santiago Bernabeu after two years in Turin, has previously played alongside Real Madrid's much vaunted attack of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo but he has just as much respect for Italy's answer to the 'BBC'. "Bonucci is a leader, Chiellini has the strength and Barzagli the quality," Morata explained on the eve of the last-16 clash. "Scoring against my former team-mates is almost impossible."

Chiellini has had plenty of kind words for Morata in the build-up, even admitting: "I hope he can stay at Real Madrid, as that's his dream, since he played in their youth team. With his skills and personality he deserves to be Real Madrid's and Spain's centre-forward for years to come."

However, the 31-year-old was the first to admit that he and his fellow members of the Azzurri's BBC won't be affording their former colleague any preferential treatment.

"He's a good guy and we have great memories of him in Turin," Chiellini said, before omonious adding, "But while we respect him, when you play you have to leave friendship aside..."

Morata, like Ekdal before him, knows only too well that when it comes to Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini, they only offer free rides off the pitch - never on it.

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini: 'Good stuff starts now'

http://www.football-italia.net/86467/chiellini-good-stuff-starts-now

Jun 27, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini assures “the good stuff starts now” after Italy beat Spain 2-0 to set up a Euro 2016 quarter-final with Germany.

“We had a few things to prove and take revenge for. We deserved it and frankly made it too anxious in the final 15 minutes, as we should’ve finished it off a lot earlier. We wanted it more,” the defender told Rai Sport.

He found the net in the first half, then Graziano Pellè sealed the scoreline in stoppages.

“I think we did expect it, because in March the friendly was more or less like this. We felt good and wanted to take ‘revenge’ after many years when Spain had dominated.

“This is the beginning. We’ll enjoy it for the next few hours, but we’ll take it one game at a time. The good stuff starts now.”

That ‘good stuff’ is a quarter-final against World Cup winners Germany, who beat Italy 4-1 in a friendly a few months ago.

“We are both great teams. Naturally Germany start as favourites, they gave us a right kicking in March, so we need to do something truly extraordinary, even more than today, in Bordeaux.”

[Socrates 7962]

Giorgio Chiellini Underlining Importance to Juventus with Displays at Euro 2016

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2648861-giorgio-chiellini-

underlining-importance-to-juventus-with-displays-at-euro-2016?

Jun 28, 2016

Unfancied and unlikely to win, even Italy's comfortable 2-0 victory over a widely respected Belgium in their opening game had done little to convince most observers that they could overcome holders Spain at UEFA Euro 2016.

The squad chosen by coach Antonio Conte was widely criticised before the tournament even began, and losing to the Republic of Ireland in their final Group E fixture only increased the belief that La Furia Rojawould progress to the quarter-finals at their expense. 

The clash at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis brought to mind Spain’s emphatic 4-0 triumph in the final four years ago, but this time theAzzurri would take the lead with just 33 minutes on the clock.

Having already caused problems at earlier set pieces, they would do so again as Leonardo Bonucci and Eder stood over a free-kick just outside the opposition penalty area.

 

 

 

 

 Follow

Stereo Serie A Radio @StereoSerieA

VIDEO: Giorgio Chiellini puts #ITA up 1-0 in the 33' vs #ESP#EURO2016

6:38 PM - 27 Jun 2016

•  
•  
•  
   1111 Retweets
•  
•  
   1010 likes

 

 

 

It would be the latter who took aim at David De Gea, the Manchester United goalkeeper—who was otherwise superb—only able to parry the shot into the space in front of him and while his team-mates stood still, Emanuele Giaccherini reacted quickest to prod the ball to an unmarked Giorgio Chiellini who tapped home.

Wheeling away to celebrate, he clearly enjoyed his seventh goal for the national team, a tally that surprisingly makes him the second-highest scorer among all 23 Italy players. Only Daniele De Rossi (18) has netted more, but the rugged defender—whose career has been about stopping others rather than getting his name on the scoresheet—would soon return to a far more familiar role.

 

 

View image on Twitter

 

 Follow

Squawka Football 

 

✔@Squawka

Giorgio Chiellini has now scored 7 goals for #ITA

The only player in their squad with more is Daniele De Rossi (18)

6:36 PM - 27 Jun 2016

•  
•  
•  
   337337 Retweets
•  
•  
   250250 likes

 

 

 

“We showed on the field our determination, aggression and willingness to work for one another,” Leonardo Bonucci told reporters shortly after the final whistle, per UEFA.com, and nobody would embody that more than Chiellini.

As can be seen in the FourFourTwo StatsZone graphic below, the 31-year-old won one tackle, three interceptions, made three clearances and blocked one shot. Never one to back down, he also won two of the three aerial duels he contested and—knowing a yellow card would cause him to serve a suspension—played all 90-plus minutes without committing a single foul.

 

 

View image on Twitter

 

 Follow

Adam Digby 

 

✔@Adz77

Giorgio Chiellini #ITA v #ESP 1 goal, 1 tackle, 3 int, 3 clearances, 1 block, 38/48 passes, 0 fouls (via @StatsZone)

9:35 AM - 28 Jun 2016

•  
•  
•  
   33 Retweets
•  
•  
   88 likes

 

 

 

Yet he also stepped forward comfortably once possession was won back, connecting with an impressive 38 of his 48 pass attempts (79.2 percent) as the Azzurri refused to just sit back and defend, much toConte’s delight.

“Xavi gave us the best compliment, as he said Italy reminds him of a mix between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid,” the coach told Rai Sport (h/t Football Italia). “It proves those who play football understand.”

 

 

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

 

What also became clear is thatChiellini still has a major role to play for his national team, with the same holding true at club level, and the player discussed the difference between his two bosses with Sport Mediaset last year.

“The change of coach gaveJuventus something more, because in the first two months of the season we wanted to prove that we were still the best,” he said (h/tFootball Italia). “We are grateful to Conte and recognise everything he did here, but we also want to prove to everyone and above all to ourselves that we are a great team.”

With the arrival of Miralem Pjanic from AS Roma and Barcelona’s DaniAlves—the latter confirmed by Juve’s official website on Monday—there has been much speculation about how the Bianconeri will do just that in 2016/17.

 

 

View image on Twitter

 

 Follow

JuventusFC 

 

✔@juventusfcen

OFFICIAL: @DaniAlvesD2 signs for Juventus!http://juve.it/yo7E301G8TK  #BemVindoDani

5:16 PM - 27 Jun 2016

•  
•  
•  
   2,0772,077 Retweets
•  
•  
   1,3501,350 likes

 

 

 

As discussed in this previous post, the presence of the Bosnia international provides coach Massimiliano Allegri with a wealth of tactical options, his versatility allowing him to take up any number of midfield roles.

If using Pjanic in an advanced role—perhaps in a 4-3-1-2 formation—is to signal a shift away from the three-man back line, last season arguably showed that it could well be Chiellini who sat out in the biggest matches.

 

 

WhoScored.com

 

While both Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci continued to shine, their long-time ally had certainly appeared to fading somewhat. Compiled using statistics from WhoScored.com, the table above shows that the man who joined the Bianconeri from Fiorentina back in 2005 has begun to contribute much less to the cause.

The same source shows that Bonucci made more passes per game (63.6) than any other member of the squad, firmly establishing himself as a crucial part of Juventus’ attacking approach and leaving just one place alongside him in a four-man defence.

As can be seen in the Squawka.com graphic below, Chiellini did not lead that trio in defensive interventions (tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks) per game, or in percentage of challenges won.

 

 

squawka.com

Defensive Actions/Challenges Won 2015/16

 

Yet to distil what he brings to the team down to mere statistics is a great disservice to the contribution of a man who arrived in Turin over a decade ago. Since then, he has matured from a clumsy and rather average full-back into a fine central defender, making 401 appearances in all competitions for Juventus.

In that time he has won five Serie A titles, lifted the Coppa Italia twice and helped the side reach the 2015 Champions League final.

Chiellini explained his role to Paolo Bandini of the Guardian in a recent interview:

I am the most aggressive one, I go hunting for my opponents high up the field, and I put stock in physical one-on-ones and winning individual duels. Leo is our defensive regista, who helps us to launch attacks and to close down the time and space that the other team gets on the ball. Andrea is our professor. He’s always in the right place at the right moment.

That is a succinct analysis of how the trio—known collectively as the “BBC”—work in perfect harmony, and their performances at Euro 2016 may make Allegri reconsider any decision to abandon it moving forward as they again prove to be almost impenetrable.

“The BBC guys are the best defenders in the world and opposition teams don’t want to play against them,” former team-mate AlvaroMorata told Marca (h/t Football Italia) on Saturday. “When those three and Buffon are back there, it is almost impossible to score past them.”

 

 

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

 

Their cohesion does not show in any stat sheet or scoreboard, yet it is an intangible attribute that has been at the centre of so much success for both club and country. It is a difficult decision, but even if they remain in a four rather than a three-man back line, Chiellini’s displays in France would make omitting him extremely difficult.

Of course injuries, suspensions and the need to rotate—while also integrating promising youngster Daniele Rugani—will all be taken into consideration, giving Allegri the kind of selection dilemmas all coaches crave.

“The good stuff starts now,” Chiellini told reporters (h/t ESPN FC) shortly after Italy defeated Spain and began to look ahead to a quarter-final meeting with Germany on Saturday. He could well have been talking about his own career.

[Socrates 7962]

Chiellini: 'Won the love of a nation'

http://www.football-italia.net/86762/chiellini-won-love-nation

Jul 3, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini notes Italy “were considered sacrificial lambs and were creating something magical, winning back respect and the love of a nation.”

The Azzurri went out of the Euro 2016 quarter-finals in a sudden death penalty shoot-out after the 1-1 draw with Germany.

“In mid-May our adventure began, accompanied by the opinion – common among critics and fans – that this Nazionale would soon become a sacrificial lamb for many opponents,” wrote the Juventus defender on Instagram.

“But within us we were creating something magical, something that allowed us to win back everyone’s respect and above all the love of a nation.

“That same nation saw itself in us and I am convinced that, with the same union and magic shown thus far, we can emerge from this difficult period.

“There were 23 of us out there, but in reality 60 million: we were and can be a single entity!

“Hoping this month can be a starting point for everyone, I thank all those who dreamed alongside me!”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

Chiellini wants more history

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/88684/chiellini-wants-more-history?

 

Aug 2, 2016

 

Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini wants his club to continue their domination of Italian football and to keep making history.

 

The Old Lady have now won five Scudetti on the spin, three under Antonio Conte and two under current Coach Max Allegri.

 

In an interview with JTV to be screened later on Tuesday evening, the 31-year-old insisted the Bianconeri players do not lack motivation despite tasting victory on so many occasions.

 

“We begin again having won the Scudetto, having won the Coppa Italia and having a group that wants to continue to win,” Chiellini said.

 

“We want to continue to do well and to continue to write history.”