Giorgio Chiellini

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Giorgio Chiellini: A Ritiro Won't Solve Our Problems

Chiellini seems against a possible 'ritiro' as he highlights

the club's objectives for the last two matches...

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has underlined the importance of finishing third as he gives his views on the recent downturn in Turin.

The Bianconeri are in danger of losing the third Champions League slot to Fiorentina who are breathing down their necks. The trouble is so grand, that reports this morning suggested Claudio Ranieri was facing the sack, while the team would be punished with a 'ritiro'.

Chiellini believes his side can bounce back from their woes, and feels spending a week in the wilderness will not help matters any further.

"We do not want to fail finishing third as this is our minimal objective this season," the stopper told Sky Sport Italia.

"We are interested in trying to finish second, and we will see what happens at the end of the season.

"Ritiro? It doesn't help you win. We have tried to resolve our problems by giving our best in other games, but we have not managed to win.

"The most important thing is to find the spirit we had against Milan with or without the ritiro."

A 'ritiro' is when a team is ordered by the club to go into retreat and work hard away from the public eye, usually with a press silence in order to remedy problems, and bring order and stability to a struggling team. Both Roma and Lazio have been on 'ritiro' earlier this term.

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Giorgio Chiellini: Juventus Are Closing In On Inter

The Italy international is confident it will not be a walk in the park for the Nerazzurri next season...

Juventus finished second in Serie A last season, ten points adrift of champions Inter, but centre-back Giorgio Chiellini believes the Old Lady are making the right moves in the transfer market and will give the Nerazzurri a run for their money next term.

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Juventus Are Catching Up With Inter - Giorgio Chiellini

The defensive lynchpin has warned Inter that his side are not far off from challenging for the Scudetto...

Despite Inter's recent dominance in Serie A, Giorgio Chiellini believes that this year is finally the year when Juventus can rediscover their past glories and mount a title challenge.

At a charity event organised by 'keeper Gianluigi Buffon, Chiellini told Il Corriere dello Sport, "We are ready and prepared to start again.

"Many people want to know if Diego can be another champion in Juventus' great history. I already know about Felipe Melo, he will be very useful - a muscular midfielder who could play with Sissoko or in Sissoko's place.

When questioned about whether Juventus were now as strong as Inter, Chiellini was evasive.

"We have reinforced, but it will be on the pitch where we decide who is the best. Last year we were not at their level, but this year the margin has definitely been reduced."

Juventus have spent big money on Diego and Felipe Melo this summer already, but there are still concerns over their full-backs. While they are looking to strengthen the squad further, they may look to shed a number of fringe players first.

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Giorgio Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini

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Giorgio Chiellini: Inter Still Favourites, But If Ibrahimovic Goes

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Chiellini played very well against the big Real Madrid's names.

A beautiful victory against a great team is always positive for the winning players.

[ju29ro.azero 0]

Chiellini played very well against the big Real Madrid's names.

A beautiful victory against a great team is always positive for the winning players.

And if this victory is the third in last nine months, this is too much positive

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Chiellini: Juventus Cannot Play Like They Did Against Villarreal

The Bianconeri centre-back spotted a few problems in the defeat to the Yellow Submarine,

but is certain his team can overcome their difficulties ahead of the start of Serie A...

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is not pleased with the 4-1 friendly loss to Villarreal. The player claims that his side were sorely lacking in the match on Friday.

"Unfortunately, we were found lacking in many areas. Distance between the players [on the field], positioning, brilliance," he mused to Tuttosport.

"We cannot reduce everything to fitness. I think that we were even influenced on a mental level, even unconsciously."

The heavy defeat may have cast some doubts ahead of the new season, but the former Fiorentina player is hopeful the Turin-based outfit can learn from their mistakes.

"Ferrara rightly said that Juventus cannot allow certain figures. A 4-1 defeat is not for Juve," he suggested.

"Of course we can reassure the fans. The fact remains we are working well. We are excited after the success against Real Madrid [in the Peace Cup] and will not let this influence us even now. What matters is that by the beginning of the championship, you will see a great Juve."

The 24-year-old has been included in Italy coach Marcello Lippi's squad for the friendly against Switzerland on August 12.

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Giorgio Chiellini: Partnership With Fabio Cannavaro

At Juventus Must Still Improve

The two players are working hard to perfect their collaboration at the centre of the Bianconeri

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Giorgio Chiellini's Advice To Inter Mourinho:

Forget The Calamari, Eat Cacciucco

In a bid to ease the tension between the two Serie A giants, Chiellini is flying the flag of Tuscan cuisine

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Inter Are Always Lucky - Giorgio Chiellini

The defender claims the Nerazzurri have always had the hand of luck to push them towards glory...

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini believes Inter's victories this term have been down to luck as he stirs up the rivalry.

The Nerazzurri left it late to come back from the brink against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League. Two late goals from Diego Milito and Wesley Sneijder cancelled out Andriy Shevchenko's opener. The result saw Jose Mourinho's men shoot to the top of the Group F table, and the Juve man believes they are lucky.

"I think Inter deserved the win over Dynamo, but they were also lucky," Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.

"I don't think it's the first time it's happened this season either."

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Chiellini & Legrottaglie: Defence Still Needs To Improve

The centre-backs believe some fine tuning of the defence will help the club achieve their objectives...

Juventus defenders Giorgio Chiellini, and Nicola Legrottaglie have hailed their defence, which is statistically the strongest in the Champions League, but they say more can be done to make it completely watertight.

The Old Lady have only conceded once in Europe, compared to 13 in Serie A and Chiellini feels the need to improve domestically, as he urges his team-mates to plug the holes.

"Our defence in Europe? I think it's just something casual because we still have to grow and avoid distractions," Chiellini told Tuttosport.

Legrottaglie also boasted about the clubs' European record but, like Chiellini, he feels some improvements can still be made.

"The goal we conceded in the Champions League was offside. However, we are doing well in Europe," added the stopper.

"I have faith though. There are still margins of improvement and I am convinced we can grow even further."

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Giorgio Chiellini: Netherlands Clash Is More Than Just A Friendly

The powerful defender is ready to tackle Holland to the ground with determination...

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini is preparing himself for a rough and tumble encounter against the Netherlands, claiming it's more than just a friendly.

La Nazionale welcome the Oranje in Pescara on Saturday night. And the Juventus defender believes this is the perfect chance to sharpen their skills, and fire a warning shot ahead of the World Cup.

"At this point there are no more friendlies, especially with the World Cup so near," Chiellini told the press.

"This is a fundamental game for us in terms of South Africa. We will give our maximum and then we will see what happens. This certainly is not a friendly match from our point of view."

Napoli goalkeeper and Azzurri number three Morgan De Sanctis is also looking ahead to the rumble. He hopes his side can benefit from these friendly games as he urges cohesion and focus.

"The World Cup run starts now and we are all waiting to give the right responses. There is little time to become compact and create an even more solid group."

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Pazzini Is Justified In Protecting Current Italy Group - Giorgio Chiellini

Chiellini is focused on the present, and not the potential World Cup presence of Amauri or Cassano...

Earlier in the week, Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini claimed he was against the potential call-up of Brazilian striker Amauri, who is waiting for his Italian passport.

Amauri's Juventus team-mate, Giorgio Chiellini, is indifferent, but suggested Pazzini was correct to dismiss the 'what if' situation, because the players currently in the squad are the ones that influence matches.

"Pazzini has taken a stance to defend the group, there are factions both for and against Cassano and Amauri," he was quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"When we are with the Azzurri, we prefer to not to speak about those who are absent, only to defend those that are present."

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Giorgio Chiellini Believes In Scudetto Bid

The centre-back is adamant that the Old Lady can wrest the title away from league leaders Inter...

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini says he is unfazed by Inter

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Juve Must Not Lose Focus Ahead Of Crucial Week - Chiellini

The Old Lady must not think about their encounter with Inter until they have played their next three fixtures...

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has told his team-mates to take each game as it comes and not let themselves be distracted by thoughts of the Derby d'Italia against Inter.

"This is a crucial week for our season and we cannot lose focus," he explained to the club's official website.

"There are still three matches before Inter and we must take them one at a time, without looking at the standings."

Chiellini is also looking forward to the return of Alessandro Del Piero to the Bianconeri first team, although he did not wish to see David Trezeguet taking Del Piero's place on the treatment table.

"We aren't only looking forward to having Alex on the pitch again, because we felt his absence, rather we want everyone to be available, which is why I'm very sorry about Trezeguet's injury, no one wanted that."

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Giorgio Chiellini Nasal Surgery Is A Success

The stopper has gone under the knife to mend his broken nose...

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is in doubt for the crunch match against Inter after having nasal surgery on Monday morning.

The stopper broke his nose during the 2-0 loss to Cagliari on Sunday after clashing with Nene. Juve have confirmed the surgery has been a success, and, although he has been cleared to train later this week, it is unclear as to whether he will be able to play against the champions.

A statement on the club's official website reads:

"Giorgio Chiellini underwent surgery this morning to reduce the fracture of his nasal bones. The operation was carried out by Professor Libero Tubino and the Chivasso hospital.

"The surgery was a perfect success and Chiellini will be discharged later today. He will be able to train with a protective mask on Wednesday and Thursday."

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Juventus Cannot Be Considered A Great Team - Giorgio Chiellini

The hard nosed defender admits that the Bianconeri are lacking in some areas...

Defender Giorgio Chiellini has suggested that Juventus are not a great team, pointing to changes in personnel and a lack of consistency as the main reasons.

"We want to get past these difficulties that we saw in the second-half of the game against Bari, where everyone gave their best to recover. Watching from the outside, you notice certain issues," he was quoted as saying by Il Corriere dello Sport.

"Compared to the beginning of the season, something seems to have broken down for us.

"We lack a lot of things and have changed many players. For example, [Pavel] Nedved is not here anymore, someone who is part of the history of Juventus.

"These changes are not easy to adjust to. Overall, we have had too many ups and downs to be considered a great team. We haven't had continuity and can hardly understand why."

The Bianconeri were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich last week, and have already crashed to four defeats in Serie A, leaving them six points adrift of league-leaders Inter.

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Manchester United want Giorgio Chiellini

Manchester United have reportedly joined cross-town rivals Manchester City in the hunt to sign Giorgio Chiellini, according to the News of the World.

New boss Roberto Mancini is believed to have made the Italian centre-back a top priority in his first transfer market binge with the Eastlands club, due to the defensive frailties that exist within the City camp.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has had to deal with almost all of his defenders licking their wounds in the treatment room, as Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher had to be played in the heart of United's defence recently.

Chiellini, for his part, is said to have indicated in the past that he may be looking to leave Turin in the near future, and is expected to be open to a move to the Premier League.

It is claimed that the Red Devils will be unable to match their arch-rivals in terms of wages offered, but the lure of Champions League football is believed to the carrot that the club will dangle to sway the Italy international.

The player's agent, Davide Lippi, has left the door ajar for a potential move to the English top-flight, as he told the newspaper: "It will be difficult for such an important player like Chiellini to leave Juventus but we will see what happens in January.

"I have not heard anything from Mancini yet but I could not rule out a move to Manchester."

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Giorgio Chiellini: We Are All With Ciro Ferrara

The Juve man shows his support for the coach

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City & United Want Giorgio Chiellini - Agent

Representative claims a number of English clubs like Chiellini...

Giorgio Chiellini's agent Davide Lippi claims the Juventus stopper is being tracked by Premier League giants Manchester City and Manchester United.

Chiellini has been one of the few outstanding players at Vinovo this term, fuelling speculation he was being followed by a number of clubs. Lippi has now put names to the suspects chasing the Italian.

"The market is usually open all year and we are always speaking about things in Italy and England," he told Sky Sport Italia.

When asked about an interest from City and United the agent offered this response.

"Chiellini is an important player and when a player is important then it's obvious that he will interest teams," he said.

"But he is a Juventus player and captained the team against Milan and so I don't think there is anything in this situation."

Lippi claims he will be meeting with Tottenham Hotspur over more transfer business, but stayed quiet regarding the details of his affairs.

"Like I said though, the market is always open and you always speak with everyone and all the clubs. It's not only Chiellini though. There could be other players that interest City and United.

"I am going to Tottenham to speak with them tonight as part of a transfer journey."

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Mancini Concedes Signing Chiellini Would Be 'Impossible'

Manchester City boss gives up chase of Serie A targets...

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has declared it 'impossible' to secure deals for Mathieu Flamini and Giorgio Chiellini during the January transfer window.

The Italian was intent on capturing the pair, but has now conceded that any deals are unlikely to be reached between City and the pair's respective clubs.

With Flamini featuring mostly as a fringe player this season, a deal was conceivable, however Mancini believes Milan will keep the player as they pursue their Serie A title hunt.

"For me, Chiellini and Flamini are impossible."

Mancini suggests that Chiellini could be the best defender in Italy, and admitted that he would be keen to bring the player to Eastlands.

"I think it's impossible Chiellini will leave Juventus, because he's their best defender right now. He's the best defender in Italy, probably."

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Man United To Replace Vidic With Chiellini

Manchester United are reportedly ready to allow Nemanja Vidic to leave Old Trafford for Barcelona

next summer and will replace the Serbian international with Juventus

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Giorgio Chiellini: Juventus Badly Need A Victory

The defender says there is no other way to see the light at the end of the tunnel