Patrick Vieira's decision to sign for Juventus FC came as a warning to the rest of Serie A. The Italian champions had finished seven points clear of their nearest challengers and had just added the complete midfielder to an already formidable lineup. But coach Fabio Capello didn't stop there. Juventus supporters are used to high-profile foreign signings. More of a rarity has been seeing a young Italian break into the side - and more than hold his own.
Sudden rise
When 21-year-old Giorgio Chiellini arrived in Turin last summer he was already a full Italian international and a key player for the Under-21 side. Chiellini had been given the moniker 'the new Briegel' because his power and playing style was reminiscent of former German international Hans-Peter Briegel. Much was expected of the youngster, but a place in the Juve first team was far from assured. In the space of six short months he has made the left-back spot his own.
Tuscan roots
Chiellini speaks with a thick Tuscan accent. He was born in Livorno and grew up there, playing for local side AS Livorno Calcio. But under Capello's guidance this season he is making his mark further north as an indispensable element of Juve's impenetrable back line. Chiellini first caught the eye of the Bianconeri during his first full season with Livorno in Serie B in 2003/04, impressing enough for Juve to buy an option on him, but not to bring him to Turin. Instead Chiellini was loaned out to ACF Fiorentina to gain Serie A experience. Thirty-seven top-flight games and an Italy debut later, he had convinced Juve to buy out the other half of his playing licence from the Viola.
'Very happy'
Chiellini started this season on the substitutes' bench, then seized his chance when Jonathan Zebina was injured in October. Capello switched Gianluca Zambrotta to right-back to make room on the left for Chiellini, who hasn’t been out of the side since. "I'm very happy, everything is going very well," Chiellini told uefa.com. "After a difficult start, I'm playing on a regular basis and I think I'm constantly improving as a player. I just hope to continue like that and keep on achieving good results with the team." Zambrotta is one of the few other young Italians to break into the Juve side in recent seasons, and Chiellini is delighted to be following his example. "I think he's the best player in the world in his role. He can cover several positions both in defence in midfield and is a great example for me."
'Work to do'
A strong defence has always been the hallmark of a Capello side and this season the Serie A leaders have been more frugal than ever. Even without injured goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, the Bianconeri rearguard has allowed just nine goals in 17 Serie A matches. Chiellini brings power and strength to the left side of the Juve defence, and like Zambrotta, is always looking to push forward. The youngster, however, is the first to concede he still has much to learn about the art of defending. "I'm proving I can become a more complete player but there's still plenty of work to do. I work very hard with [Fabio] Capello trying to improve my defending and skill on the ball. I think we're on the right path."
'Joy'
Chiellini has been on the right path for some time. He was in the Italy team which defeated Hungary to qualify for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship and is already looking forward to the final tournament in Portugal. "We really wanted to qualify for the finals and our joy was obvious after defeating Hungary," he said. "We exploded in celebration because we are a very united group. Only the best teams in Europe are still in contention. It will be a very difficult and fascinating tournament with great players involved. I think all eight finalists can win it. We have a good team and can surely go all the way."
'Plenty of time'
It could be a busy summer. Should he keep up his current form, a place in Italy's FIFA World Cup squad might not be beyond him. "It all depends on my performances with Juventus. If I play well, I can hope. The World Cup is every players’ dream but there is still plenty of time. It’s only December now, let's speak abut that a bit later in the season." With a first taste of the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds to come before then, Chiellini has much to look forward to.
uefa.com
Sudden rise
When 21-year-old Giorgio Chiellini arrived in Turin last summer he was already a full Italian international and a key player for the Under-21 side. Chiellini had been given the moniker 'the new Briegel' because his power and playing style was reminiscent of former German international Hans-Peter Briegel. Much was expected of the youngster, but a place in the Juve first team was far from assured. In the space of six short months he has made the left-back spot his own.
Tuscan roots
Chiellini speaks with a thick Tuscan accent. He was born in Livorno and grew up there, playing for local side AS Livorno Calcio. But under Capello's guidance this season he is making his mark further north as an indispensable element of Juve's impenetrable back line. Chiellini first caught the eye of the Bianconeri during his first full season with Livorno in Serie B in 2003/04, impressing enough for Juve to buy an option on him, but not to bring him to Turin. Instead Chiellini was loaned out to ACF Fiorentina to gain Serie A experience. Thirty-seven top-flight games and an Italy debut later, he had convinced Juve to buy out the other half of his playing licence from the Viola.
'Very happy'
Chiellini started this season on the substitutes' bench, then seized his chance when Jonathan Zebina was injured in October. Capello switched Gianluca Zambrotta to right-back to make room on the left for Chiellini, who hasn’t been out of the side since. "I'm very happy, everything is going very well," Chiellini told uefa.com. "After a difficult start, I'm playing on a regular basis and I think I'm constantly improving as a player. I just hope to continue like that and keep on achieving good results with the team." Zambrotta is one of the few other young Italians to break into the Juve side in recent seasons, and Chiellini is delighted to be following his example. "I think he's the best player in the world in his role. He can cover several positions both in defence in midfield and is a great example for me."
'Work to do'
A strong defence has always been the hallmark of a Capello side and this season the Serie A leaders have been more frugal than ever. Even without injured goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, the Bianconeri rearguard has allowed just nine goals in 17 Serie A matches. Chiellini brings power and strength to the left side of the Juve defence, and like Zambrotta, is always looking to push forward. The youngster, however, is the first to concede he still has much to learn about the art of defending. "I'm proving I can become a more complete player but there's still plenty of work to do. I work very hard with [Fabio] Capello trying to improve my defending and skill on the ball. I think we're on the right path."
'Joy'
Chiellini has been on the right path for some time. He was in the Italy team which defeated Hungary to qualify for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship and is already looking forward to the final tournament in Portugal. "We really wanted to qualify for the finals and our joy was obvious after defeating Hungary," he said. "We exploded in celebration because we are a very united group. Only the best teams in Europe are still in contention. It will be a very difficult and fascinating tournament with great players involved. I think all eight finalists can win it. We have a good team and can surely go all the way."
'Plenty of time'
It could be a busy summer. Should he keep up his current form, a place in Italy's FIFA World Cup squad might not be beyond him. "It all depends on my performances with Juventus. If I play well, I can hope. The World Cup is every players’ dream but there is still plenty of time. It’s only December now, let's speak abut that a bit later in the season." With a first taste of the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds to come before then, Chiellini has much to look forward to.
uefa.com
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