Chiellini's double Juve pride
Giorgio Chiellini is doubly proud that the Italy squad is packed with Juventus players and his club focuses on homegrown talent.
“Having eight Juve players in the Nazionale is a reason to be proud for everyone, not just the Bianconeri fans,” he said.
“It is not great to play in a team full of foreigners. We are proud because Juventus have focused on Italians.
“Yes they have bought strong foreign players, but also carried on the policy of bringing through young homegrown talent, so the club is proudest of all.”
In tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier with Bulgaria, to be played at Turin’s Stadio Olimpico, it is likely four-fifths of the back line will be Juve stars.
Fabio Grosso missed out on the 2-0 win in Georgia, but is expected to start with Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluigi Buffon and Chiellini.
“The game with Bulgaria becomes the most important, because a victory would allow us to travel to Ireland in a relaxed state of mind, or at the very least without the need for a result at all costs and the worry of the final match with Cyprus.
“Going there with two or even a one-point advantage is something we all want to avoid.”
Italy currently lead World Cup qualifying Group 8 with 17 points from seven games, while Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland have 16 from eight.
The two sides come face-to-face at Croke Park on October 10 and the Azzurri complete their campaign at home to Cyprus four days later.
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