Giorgio Chiellini, who will wear the captain’s armband for tomorrow night’s game against Northern Ireland, answered questions from the press conference:
In a little over 2 months, it will be the Euro, but already 3 matches are waiting for you in a few days and this autumn there will be the finals of the Nations League. With so many events so close and important, will you be able to have the right concentration from the start?
This year, normal things, we had very few, and now there is this overlap of events. I don’t think we risk underestimating the game because a few years ago, we were particularly scalded, and many of us were in that group… When you qualified for the World Cup you didn’t not allowed to fail and I’m not worried about our approach to the game against Ireland. Even the next two games won’t be easy, but now we’re just thinking about this one against a tough opponent who can make life difficult for us. From a technical point of view, it will not be easy, but from a mental point of view Italy has matured and knows the importance of this meeting. And even if in two months we play the Euro, we will not be distracted.
Did you hear what Nedved said? Are you concerned about the current moment for Juventus?
The team have not performed as hoped so far, but the problem is not with Pirlo, but with Juventus in general.
Do you want to be at the 2022 World Cup?
I start this journey and I do not project myself. I live day by day because I feel good. This speech I had already made against Poland at the start of qualifying for the Nations League. I like being part of this group because the atmosphere is very nice. Whether it is for one or for 10 games, it gives you so much. And that regardless of the moments with Juventus: everyone wants to go with the Nazionale because this atmosphere is magical, it regenerates you, gives you peace.
What do you fear most about Ireland?
Their physical impact and the fact that it will be difficult to disorient them. I’m not just saying it myself, but their qualifying route where they put Holland and Germany in difficulty speaks for them. If you do what you have to do, you put them in difficulty because technically they are missing something. We haven’t seen each other for 4 months so we’re a little rusty. Mentally we have to be strong and adapt to the game to react in case of difficulty.
What do you like the most about this Italy?
This group is on the rise compared to two years ago. A lot of things have changed for various reasons. There are managerial players, Jorginho, Verratti, Bonucci but even in their absence, the team has always moved forward. And this is what is most beautiful in this Italy.
What are the biggest strides you have made? Especially the Youngs…
Italy has made progress in everything: in mutual aid, in the integration of newcomers… This selection will inspire me even more for the cycle 2022 – 2026 when many of these boys will be even more mature. There is a desire to confront the great nations: against Holland we did well on the outward journey as well as on the return. In June we will challenge the other big teams and see how it goes. This team has everything to succeed at the Euro and we hope to start it in Rome. The president is doing everything he can.
Do you think Bonucci is the right captain to give the armband to in the future, whether in the national team or at Juventus?
Leo is already a de facto Nazionale and Juventus captain because this year I was injured.
Is this the worst time you arrive for the national team after years of triumphs at Juventus?
No, I have seen darker times and now I see a lot of light.
How did Prandelli’s letter affect you?
It hurt me. It didn’t surprise me at all because after Benevento his words made me think. Knowing him, I knew something was going on. I don’t know the reasons and sent him a message. We spent two years together. This discomfort hurts for the person he is, and whom we have all known.
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