Giorgio Chiellini

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini gets three-match ban

May 12, 2014

Serie A's sporting judge on Monday banned Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini for three matches for elbowing AS Roma's Miralem Pjanic in the face during his side's 1-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

The decision means Chiellini will miss the Serie A champions' last game of the season against Cagliari next weekend and their first two matches of the 2014-15 campaign, unless the club successfully appeals.

A Serie A statement said the referee did not see Chiellini elbow Pjanic, even though he blew up for an illegal block on the Bosnian playmaker during a freekick.

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli usually drops players temporarily while they are serving disciplinary bans in accordance with his code for the national team. But ANSA sources said the coach was set to include Chiellini, one of his best players, in his preliminary 30-man World Cup squad, as he did consider the code of conduct to apply in this case.

[Socrates 8332]

Gattuso: 'Couldn't drop Chiellini'

May 15, 2014

Gennaro Gattuso said Cesare Prandelli “couldn’t leave out” Giorgio Chiellini for the World Cup using the Code of Ethics.

The former Palermo Coach spoke to Radio Sportiva about the 30-man preliminary Italy squad for the tournament in Brazil.

“Prandelli adopted the Code of Ethics, but it is a tough thing to implement. Chiellini is an important player and he couldn’t leave him out.

“In any case, his half an elbow on Miralem Pjanic didn’t seem all that violent.”

The Juventus defender received a three-match ban when video evidence was used on his altercation with Roma midfielder Pjanic.

Gattuso also commented on Genoa striker Alberto Gilardino’s exclusion from the squad.

“If we see the strikers called up, they all know how to put the ball in the net. He made his choices and will have his reasons. Gilardino is an experienced player, but you can’t keep everyone happy.

“Brazil are the team to beat at the World Cup, but the Germans always go far and watch out for Argentina, as now they are very organised.

“Italy are a strange side, as we need a bit of itching powder on the backside to get us going. History teaches us this.”

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini: Racism fought in silence

May 22, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini has commented on tackling racism in the game and why footballers may say they don’t know any homosexual colleagues.

The Juventus defender took part in a Twitter question and answer session today and was notably asked about the continued rhetoric surrounding racism in the game.

On from the incident in La Liga recently that saw Dani Alves garner support for picking up a banana thrown at him and eating it, Milan’s Kevin Constant had a banana and knife thrown in his direction by Atalanta, whilst Mario Balotelli was reportedly racially abused by a handful of young men at Coverciano just yesterday.

Chiellini was asked, given he has previously celebrated goals by beating his chest ‘like King Kong’, if would he eat a banana to show his support against racism.

“I am not one who likes gestures that are too obvious and constructed,” the 29-year-old responded.

“Racism is fought in silence and in everyday life.”

Chiellini was asked why footballers say they do not know any gay footballers in the game.

“Because it is true, no gay player has ever said so…”

The centre-back tackled a number of other topics too.

“Why are Juventus disliked by so many? Every team that wins is disliked.

“Deschamps says Italy are among the favourites for the World Cup? Certainly he knows us well and there is mutual respect, I hope it is a good omen.

“What’s life like with a twin? Great, it is a unique experience that I really wish everyone could have.”

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini to pen Juve deal

May 31, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini is on the verge of signing a contract extension with Juventus that will keep him at the club until 2017.

Tuttosport reveal this morning that the defender’s agent will meet with the Bianconeri hierarchy next week, but a deal is already in place and agreed.

The Italy international is, according to the paper, set to earn around €3m per season, plus bonuses.

With Chiellini set to fly out to Brazil next Thursday though for the World Cup, the deal won’t be penned until at least mid-July.

[Socrates 8332]

‘Azzurri have two stars’

Jun 7, 2014

Goalkeeper Gigi Buffon and midfielder Andrea Pirlo are Italy’s two star players, according to defender Giorgio Chiellini.

The Juventus man was speaking at a Press conference today, held at the Azzurri’s World Cup base near Rio de Janeiro.

As well as praising his two club teammates, the 29-year-old stressed the need for Cesare Prandelli’s side to demonstrate a team ethic during their campaign in Brazil.

He also stated that a winning mentality has always been ingrained into the Azzurri, just as it is at Juve.

“This mentality has always been part of the national team,” Chiellini said. “At the moment we have two star players, Buffon and Pirlo.

“We other 21 players just have to put ourselves at the team’s disposal. The important thing is for us to give our all for the team.

“In modern football, you can’t win with individuals. Messi still hasn’t won with Argentina, neither has Ronaldo with Portugal. Imagine if one of us could do it!”

Chiellini also admitted that some of the Azzurri squad, himself included, are still feeling a little jaded after the demands of a long club season.

“I’m feeling quite good, but during the first week I had to recover from a blow to my back that I took at Roma in the League.

“There can always be a few aches and pains after a long season, but we are all recovering.

“The last year has been demanding but not just for us. Everyone has their own targets, I think it’s better to have arrived having won than having failed.

“When you approach a World Cup you can’t have feelings of regret. There shouldn’t be any other problems other than worrying about whether you will start.”

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini: 'Totally different Italy'

Jun 15, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini reveals Italy had “prepared a completely different approach and line-up” against England.

The 2-1 victory in Manaus was achieved despite losing Mattia De Sciglio and captain Gigi Buffon.

“It wasn’t easy, as we had prepared with a completely different approach and line-up until two days ago. De Sciglio’s injury meant we had to radically change everything,” Chiellini told RAI Sport.

Chiellini had to move over to left-back, bringing Parma’s Gabriel Paletta into a centre-back role.

“We felt the effects of that in the first half against a fast-paced England side. Over half-time the Coach gave us the indications we needed to adjust and we were able to do really well in the second half.

“We suffered under pressure, as is only normal at a World Cup, but we kept the ball and deserved the victory.”

Buffon sprained his left ankle during last night’s training session and was unexpectedly ruled out of the opening World Cup match.

“It was a huge shock. I must praise Salvatore Sirigu, as he played with remarkable cool and was always calm. It’s tougher for a goalkeeper, as he’ll go to a World Cup expecting never to play.

“As for Gigi, his words and his smile in the locker room before the game were very important for us. Nobody wins a match by themselves, so the whole group came together to achieve this.

“Clearly his words scared everyone, but I don’t think his injury is that serious. We’ll give him some time to recover and then he can lock down the goal again.”

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini & Prandelli hit out
at Fifa over Manaus time-outs

Italy conquered England and the Amazonian conditions on Saturday evening to get
their World Cup campaign off to a winning start, but were angered by a lack of drinks breaks.

Jun 15, 2014

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has criticised Fifa for not sanctioning time-outs during Saturday's match against England in Manaus, while coach Cesare Prandelli branded the decision "absurd".

Much had been made of the heat and humidity in the Amazon city ever since the World Cup draw was made in December, and although the stadium was in complete shade by kick-off and the temperature had cooled significantly compared to midday, conditions were still testing.

The Azzurri won an entertaining, end-to-end game 2-1 thanks to goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli, but Chiellini believes the players' health was put at risk.

"It was extremely hot and difficult for both teams," he told RAI. "I believe we'd need some little rules like time-outs, drinking breaks, in order to preserve the players' health."

He was backed up by coach Prandelli, who says the lack of water breaks also threatened to damage the spectacle.

"We worked on the weather conditions at Coverciano and Florence, but it is truly absurd that we can't have the time-out," he told reporters at the post-match press conference.

"Luckily the referee was good enough to interrupt, but it is absurd. If we want entertainment we have to give the players the energy to play. It was an epic match which will be remembered forever."

Italy continue their World Cup campaign against Costa Rica on Friday, with los Ticos having got off to a winning start themselves against Uruguay.

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini to serve two-match ban

Jun 20, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini will miss Juventus' first two games of the new Serie A season after an appeal against a three-match ban was rejected.

The defender was suspended for three games after he was found guilty of elbowing Roma's Miralem Pjanic through television evidence.

Chiellini sat out the Bianconeri's final match of the season against Cagliari, but his club appealed the decision.

On Thursday, the Italian FA's Federal Court of Justice upheld the full ban, confirming the first judgement after reviewing the video evidence of the two players' clash.

Consequently, the 29-year-old, who is currently representing Italy at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, will have to watch his club start the defence of their third straight Serie A title from the stands.

He will be able to return to domestic action only in the second half of September, after Italy's first Euro 2016 qualifiers.

The 2014-15 Serie A season starts on the weekend of August 30/31.

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini: Biter Suarez should have seen red

The Italy defender was incensed by the referee's decision not to send off the striker
for an alleged bite in his side's 1-0 defeat, accusing Fifa of "protecting" the Uruguayan.

Jun 24, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini has hit out at referee Marco Rodriguez for failing to send off Luis Suarez for an alleged bite as Italy exited the World Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay on Tuesday.

Diego Godin's 81st-minute header settled a tense encounter, which also saw Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio dismissed, to send the South Americans through and dump the Azzurri out.

However, the game's most contentious moment came when Chiellini clashed with Suarez, with the Juventus centre-half accusing the Liverpool forward of biting him and the officials of making a grave error.

"The game was decided by the referee," the 29-year-old told Sky Italia.

Goal @goal_intl

Will FIFA act against Suarez? If found guilty, what punishment would you give?

"It's a shame because we deserved it [to go through]. During the first half there had been many situations with different treatments - the expulsion of Marchisio was ridiculous and that, along with the lack of punishment for Suarez, has changed everything.

"Eventually it proved decisive. Suarez is smart because Fifa allow it because they want to their champions to play. The referee saw everything, but did not have the courage.

"There are episodes that affect the game. The action is clear, they say that the referees are informed on the players, but obviously they are not."

[Socrates 8332]

Did Suarez try to bite Chiellini before?

Make your own mind up - did the Uruguay striker already try to take a nibble
out of the Italy defender's shoulder at the Confederations Cup last year?

Jun 25, 2014

The world was stunned when Luis Suarez appeared to sink his teeth into Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder during Uruguay’s World Cup win over Italy on Tuesday.

The 1-0 win for Oscar Tabarez’s side, courtesy of a Diego Godin header, was overshadowed when Suarez tangled with the Juventus defender in the penalty box.

The 27-year-old thrust his head towards Chiellini before tumbling towards the ground claiming he had been elbowed.

Closer analysis of the footage appeared to show Suarez taking a bite into the stopper’s shoulder and there were visible marks when the Italy international moved down his shirt while protesting to the referee.

However, the widespread coverage of the incident has brought about the circulation of an image that may show Suarez had already attempted to bite Chiellini 12 months ago.

At the Confederations Cup in 2013, Italy defeated Uruguay on penalties in the third-place play-off. Pictures from the match could indicate that the striker had already tried to bite his rival, who was equally infuriated as they clashed on the pitch last summer.

Fifa is investigating the latest incident, which has seen the Liverpool striker widely condemned – and he could now be facing the third long-term ban of his career related to biting.

In 2010, while playing for Ajax, Suarez bit PSV's Otman Bakkal to earn himself a seven-match suspension. In April of last year, his infamous nibble on Branislav Ivanovic during Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea saw him banned for 10 matches.

Amazingly, Suarez’s nibble was profitable for one World Cup punter: Thomas Syversen, a Norwegian, placed a pre-tournament bet on the Uruguayan to bite an opponent at odds of around 175-1, meaning he pocketed a cool €668 because of the controversy.

[Socrates 8332]

Four-month ban for Suarez bite

Jun 26, 2014

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez has been handed a four-month ban after being found guilty of biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini.

The forward committed the offence during the World Cup match between the nations on Tuesday, which was won 1-0 by the South Americans.

It is understood a nine-game penalty will solely be for international fixtures, though the Liverpool man has also been banned from any football-related activity for four months.

This means he will not return to club action until October 27 at the latest.

“Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch, and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field,” said Claudio Sulser, chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

“The Disciplinary Committee took into account all the factors of the case and the degree of Mr Suárez’s guilt in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code. The decision comes into force as soon it is communicated.”

[Gobbo1990 1]

In english please.

Modificato June 27, 2014 da Socrates

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini: Suarez ban is excessive

The Italy defender insists he holds no grudge over the biting incident this week
and feels the player and his family will suffer from his four-month "alienation".

Jun 27, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini has surprisingly voiced his support for Luis Suarez, claiming his four-month ban from football is "excessive."

The Azzurri defender criticised Suarez heavily for biting him during the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay which sent Cesare Prandelli's side crashing out at the group stages of the World Cup.

The Liverpool forward has been handed a nine-game suspension and has been banned from all football activity for four months by Fifa.

However, Chiellini revealed he is not angry at the striker and instead feels that the punishment world football's governing body has handed down could ultimately leave the player feeling alienated.

"Now inside me there's no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that's done," he said in a statement on his official website.

"There only remain the anger and the disappointment about the match.

"At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period.

"I always thought that official judgements are unquestionable, but on the other hand I believe that Suarez has been excessively punished.

"I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player."

[Gobbo1990 1]

sorry, my error

[Socrates 8332]

Disgraced Suarez finally
admits to biting Chiellini

Having previously denied any wrongdoing, the Uruguayan
has come forward to apologise to the Italian defender.

Jun 30, 2014

Disgraced Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has finally admitted to biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
The Liverpool forward has been barred from all football-related activity for four months, banned for nine competitive international matches and hit with an €80,000 fine.

Suarez had previously denied biting the defender, instead insisting his face "hit against the player, leaving a small bruise ... and a strong pain in my teeth" but has now come clean.

The fallout from the incident has been vast and wide-reaching, with the president of the Uruguay Football Association, Jose Murjica, calling the ban "fascist" and Uruguay team-mate Diego Lugano branding it an "act of barbarity".

Suarez was previously banned for seven matches in 2010 for biting PSV's Otman Bakkal, during his time at Ajax before being suspended for a further 10 games after biting Branislav Ivanovic while playing for Liverpool.

The Uruguayan FA have informed Fifa that they will appeal against the ban, though it remains to be seen if Suarez's apology will change their stance.

Chiellini himself has called the punishment on Suarez "excessive" and took to Twitter shortly after the Uruguayan's apology to make it clear he holds no grudges over the incident.

Luis Suarez ✔ @luis16suarez
My apologies to Chiellini: pic.twitter.com/CvfkkjxzlM

Giorgio Chiellini ✔ @chiellini
.@luis16suarez It's all forgotten. I hope FIFA will reduce your suspension.

[Socrates 8332]

Suarez apologises, Chiellini accepts

Jun 30, 2014

Luis Suarez has released an apology for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini, which the Juventus defender has accepted.

The incident occurred during the World Cup match between Uruguay and the Azzurri but went unnoticed by the referee at the time.

In the aftermath of the game, the Uruguayan camp denied Suarez had done anything wrong and stuck to this stance even after FIFA had handed the forward a four-month worldwide ban for his actions.

However, in an open letter released on Twitter, the Liverpool man admitted his guilt and promised that an incident of the like would never happen again.

“After several days of being at home with my family, I have had the opportunity to regain my calm and reflect on the reality of what occurred during the Italy-Uruguay match on 24 June 2014,” Suarez began.

"Independent from the fallout and the contradicting declarations that have surfaced during these past days, all of which have been without the intention of interfering with the good performance of my national team, the truth is that my colleague Giorgio Chiellini suffered the physical result of a bite in the collusion he suffered with me.

“For this, I deeply regret what occurred, I apologise to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family and I vow to the public that there will never again be an incident like [this].”

Chiellini then responded to the tweet with a message of his own.

“It’s all forgotten. I hope FIFA will reduce your suspension.”

[Socrates 8332]

Suarez being sued in Italy for biting Chiellini

The Uruguay international is facing a court case in Italy after a national
union filed a lawsuit for his “assault” on the Juventus defender.

Jul 8, 2014

The Codacons, a collection of unions established in Italy to protect the rights of consumers, is attempting to sue Luis Suarez for his “assault” on Giorgio Chiellini.

The Liverpool forward was suspended for nine competitive international fixtures and banned from all football-related activity for four months after being found guilty of biting the defender during Uruguay's 1-0 win over the Azzurri in the group stages of World Cup 2014.

Italian legislation allows trials into incidents that occurred outside the country if the victim is an Italian citizen and courts in Rome have confirmed that the case has been brought to their attention.

“Now we are waiting to see what the courts decide,” Codacons President Carlo Rienzi told Sport Mediaset.

“If they recognise, as we suggested, a potential crime in Suarez’s behaviour, then they can analyse the video and photographic evidence.”

The case was put forward solely by the Codacons and neither Chiellini nor the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have played a part in the legal action.

The union has tried to file football-related law suits in the past, including one which called on Serie A to be halted following refereeing errors.

It was claimed by the union that the mistakes resulted in people who had paid to watch the match or have a bet on the game being defrauded.

[Socrates 8332]

Nedved: Chiellini Behaved Like
A Child After Being Bit By Suarez

Jul 20, 2014

Juventus director Pavel Nedved has voiced his comments on the bite-saga involving Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini and Uruguay and Barcelona forward Luis Suarez.

The World Cup saw a lot of good football, but also its fair shown of unwanted events. The recently concluded tournament will be infamously remembered for ex-Liverpool forward Luis Suarez biting Giorgio Chiellini in a group match involving Uruguay and Italy. Shockingly, it was the third time Suarez had committed this act of aggression.

The incident took place during the dying embers of the match. Suarez fell down after committing the act and the Juventus defender understandably went to the referee to show the bite mark on his shoulder. However, Juventus director and ex-player, Pavel Nedved has voiced his anger at Chiellini’s reaction and said that he behaved like a child when the incident occured. Nedved did praise the player for being mature over the next days and asking FIFA to reduce the player’s four month footballing ban.

“I was very angry with Chiellini for his reaction, as he behaved like a child showing the bite mark to the referee,” Nedved told Denik Sport.
“I talked about it with Beppe Marotta and I’ll discuss it with him directly. In any case, Giorgio showed intelligence over the next few days when he asked FIFA to reduce the ban.

The ex-Czech international went on to praise Suarez’s footballing abilities and called him a ‘great player and a ‘champion’. He even said that Juventus were close to signing him two years ago. He continued by further defending him and saying he is knows what its like as a player and understands a ‘little tantrum’.

“Suarez is a great player and I’d sign him straight away for Juventus. In fact, we were on the verge of getting him two years ago and I was fully in agreement. He’s a champion and that is all. I have played on the pitch, so I know what it’s like to have a little tantrum.”

Suarez was banned from all football related activities for four months after his ban for this act. The 27 year old has completed his switch from Liverpool to Barcelona for a reported sum of £75m, as transfer was not part of the list under the sub-clause of ‘administrative ban’ imposed by the governing body. His ban however, has stopped the La Liga club from unveiling him officially as their new number 9.

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini still striving for success

Jul 28, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini has assured fans that despite Antonio Conte’s departure Juventus will continue to strive for success.

The Italy international has returned to Vinovo today after an extended holiday following the World Cup.

And with Massimiliano Allegri now in charge of the Bianconeri, the centre back has insisted that the club will keep on fighting for their fourth successive Scudetto.

“Hello everyone. Last night we found ourselves back in Turin and today we are starting to prepare for the new season,” he posted on Twitter.

“It’s been a very intense last two months.

“The World Cup began as a great adventure with real enthusiasm and expectation – but unfortunately it ended with disappointment.

“Then there was the unexpected departure of Conte. But a new chapter has now begun with Allegri.

“On my part, there is a great desire to continue down the path we have carved for ourselves these last three years.

“We want to keep on bringing great success to this club.”

[Socrates 8332]

Juve plan Chiellini offer

Aug 1, 2014

Juventus will reportedly offer Giorgio Chiellini a new contract next week, to extend him beyond June 2015.

Reports as far back as six months ago have had the defender as in line for renegotiations with the Bianconeri.

Today, Gianluca Di Marzio’s website is leading assertions that a renewal offer will be tabled to the 29-year-old during next week.

Chiellini, who has been with the Old Lady since 2005, is currently in line to be out of contract next summer.

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini: Vidal won't ditch Juventus for Man Utd

The defender has no doubts that the Chilean will ignore overtures from the Premier
League giants and admits that he was shocked Antonio Conte resigned last month.

Aug 3, 2014

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is "convinced" that Arturo Vidal will ignore Manchester United's interest to stay in Serie A.

The Chilean has been heavily linked with a transfer to Old Trafford and, despite the Bianconeri publicly claiming Vidal is going nowhere, rumours are continuing to bubble that a move is in the offing.

However, his team-mate Chiellini has no doubt that Vidal will remain in Turin and insisted that he has no plans to depart Juventus either.

"I am convinced Arturo Vidal will stay with us," he told reporters ahead of the Turin club's pre-season tour of South East Asia.

"My contract is not formal, but I think it’s safe to say I will be a Juventus player for a long time yet."

Antonio Conte guided Juventus to three successive Scudetti but became frustrated with decisions at boardroom level and stepped down this summer.

Though Chiellini stressed his intent to impress under new boss Massimiliano Allegri, he admitted he was stunned by Conte's decision to part ways with the club he brought so much success.

"I totally did not expect Conte to leave," he added. "I was on holiday and there were rumours, but then it actually happened.

"After initially being shocked, we all put ourselves at the disposal of Allegri and we want to continue our winning era after three years of success.

"The fans are struggling to see it clearly and were shaken up, but they must understand that Allegri is a vastly experienced coach.

"We're reinforcing with good players and the unconditional support of the fans is important. This is still a winning team and Allegri’s arrival can even make us more unpredictable."

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini: 'Conte's Juve exit a shock'

Aug 3, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini admits it was a “shock” to see Antonio Conte leave Juventus, but Max Allegri “can make us unpredictable.”

The defender spoke ahead of the Bianconeri’s pre-season tour of Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia and Australia.

“We are happy to export the name of Juventus and curious to see new places. This should help us to consolidate the group,” said Chiellini.

They need to bond with new Coach Massimiliano Allegri, who arrived just three days into pre-season training.

“I really did not expect Conte to leave. I was on vacation and there were rumours in the morning, but then it happened in the evening.

“After an initial shock, we all put ourselves at the disposal of Allegri and want to continue the winning era after three years. The fans are struggling to see it clearly and were shaken, but they must understand Allegri is a very experienced Coach.

“We reinforced with good players and the unconditional support of the fans is important. This is still a winning team and Allegri’s arrival can even make us more unpredictable.

“I am convinced Arturo Vidal will stay with us. My contract is not formal, but I think it’s safe to say I will be a Juventus player for a long time yet.”

It is possible Chiellini will be reunited with Conte in the Italy squad, though Roberto Mancini seems to be the favourite.

“Considering our rapport, it’d be the best thing for me. I think we can all say it could only be positive.”

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini on Tavecchio and Suarez

Aug 3, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini was one of those who complained about Carlo Tavecchio’s racist comments, but hopes Luis Suarez’s biting ban is cut.

After FIGC Presidential candidate Tavecchio made racist comments during a speech last Friday, Players’ Association President Damiano Tommasi revealed he received several angry phone calls of protest demanding action.

“As soon as I read those phrases, I was disconcerted,” confessed Chiellini today. “I immediately called Tommasi and asked him how it was possible Italian football could be heading towards this election and if there was any way we could stop it.

“There is nothing personal in my words, but I think at this moment there is only one man suitable for the role and that is Demetrio Albertini.

“There might be points in his programme where clubs disagree, but they must make the right decision for Italian football as a while.

“We’ve got to stop embarrassing ourselves in front of the world. We need to choose the right people who have a certain decorum to handle these roles. As we are still in time, we should make the right choice.”

The FIGC Presidential election is on August 11, but Tavecchio’s support within Serie A is crumbling with the likes of Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Sassuolo, Empoli and Cesena withdrawing their backing.

Chiellini also commented on the lengthy ban given to Suarez for biting his shoulder during Italy’s World Cup game with Uruguay.

“I said at the time I thought the ban was excessive and I hope it can be reduced.”

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini: Electing Tavecchio FIGC president
would be embarrassing for Italian football

The Juventus defender has lashed out at the 71-year-old, who is at the centre
of a racism row, and stated that Demetrio Albertini is the only "adequate" candidate.

Aug 4, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini believes that it would be embarrassing for Italian football if Carlo Tavecchio were to be elected president of the country's Football Federation (FIGC).

Tavecchio caused outrage during a speech on the influx of foreign players into the domestic game by claiming that those from Africa had merely been "eating bananas" before signing professional terms with top Serie A sides.

Up until that point, the 71-year-old had been expected to defeat Demetrio Albertini in their battle to succeed Giancarlo Abete as FIGC president but Tavecchio is now coming under mounting pressure to withdraw his candidacy.

"I read his words the day after and they left me disconcerted," Italy defender Chiellini told reporters on Sunday.

"I have nothing personal against Tavecchio but, at the moment, the only adequate person for the role is Albertini.

"We mustn't let Italian football embarrass itself again. The national team is bigger than Tavecchio but we must avoid having a certain type of figure for these roles.

"We need a person with a certain decorum and personality to perform certain roles."

The FIGC presidential vote is scheduled for August 11.

[Socrates 8332]

Chiellini causes Italy concern

Sep 2, 2014

After Gabriel Paletta and Dani Osvaldo leaving the Italy camp, Giorgio Chiellini has caused slight concern in ending training in discomfort.

The Juventus defender is reported as having left the training pitch at Coverciano during the morning session.

Initial indications are that it is only due to muscular fatigue, and that it does not represent a significant concern for medical staff ahead of the friendly against the Netherlands on Thursday in Bari.

This afternoon Italy’s team doctor Enrico Castellacci will address the media in a Press conference, talking in detail about Chiellini’s condition.