That is true, although I think Chiellini has earned both shirts with his performances, notably in big Serie A games and his arrival match for Italy against Spain in Euro 2008.
Nesta and Cannavaro were special defenders in their peak, the biggest problem now is that no-one man marks. Well Giorgio does. He doesn't have their finesse as he is physically different but he isn't a complete lumbering donkey, he did play left back for a long time, even further forward.
Chiellini is the type of defender who will make the odd mistake because of his style, he tackles anything that moves.