Chiellini: 'I didn't hurt van Persie'
Wednesday 18 November, 2009
Goalscorer Giorgio Chiellini apologised to Robin van Persie and notes Marcello Lippi has a “tough job” picking a World Cup squad.
“In the last two to three years I have made improvements and playing more regularly at international level for both club and country certainly helps you,” said the Juventus defender.
“I am happy with what I have done so far and gained the confidence to do more than just the basics. There's no point denying this would be my first World Cup and I think about it often.”
Chiellini nodded in his second international goal to defeat Sweden 1-0 this evening, but his Azzurri career really took off when replacing Fabio Cannavaro at Euro 2008.
“The truth is that from Fabio's injury I had a great opportunity and tried to make the most of it, as if he hadn't been injured, I would never have come in.”
The defender hailed some of the newcomers to the Italy squad for these two friendlies against Holland and Sweden.
“[Antonio] Candreva surprised me as I hadn't seen him play up close. You can tell in training he has quality and character.
“I hadn't seen [Raffaele] Palladino in 18 months and he has improved so much, both tactically and physically. He wasn't able to express himself at Juventus, but he really is ready for the step up now.”
In the 0-0 friendly with Holland, Chiellini's challenge on van Persie led to torn ankle ligaments that will keep the Arsenal man sidelined for several months.
“I have never gone into a tackle to hurt anyone in my entire life and van Persie said the same thing. If you look at the footage it's clear it was not a nasty challenge. Some people tried to stir up trouble to distract attention from the performance.
“I was the first to be upset about van Persie and hope he'll recover as soon as possible. I was actually surprised he was injured from that situation.”
Competition for places in South Africa is fierce, especially with Giampaolo Pazzini complaining that Amauri shouldn't switch nations.
“I spoke to Pazzini and he is right that for the moment Amauri is Brazilian. If he becomes Italian in March then it's up to the Coach to decide.
“The strength of this squad is its work ethic and we are all ready for whatever Lippi wants. It'll be tough for him to pick only 23 players!
“Compared to four years ago we have at least half the squad that won the World Cup and got the best at that level. On top of that we have the introduction of new blood and will certainly go there to defend our title.”
Chiellini also praised Juventus Coach Ciro Ferrara for aiding his development this season.
“Ferrara has helped me a lot, as he was an international defender for so many years and can give you those tiny tips that can make the difference. With him we work to improve the little things, the details that at this level can mean a great deal.”
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That is what I like to hear
Well done Ciro.