Giorgio Chiellini: Ciao Bello Ciao
Italy salutes Euro 2020 Winner at symbolic Wembley
Ciao Bello Ciao: Giorgio Chiellini ended his Azzurri adventure at the stadium which delivered him his finest moment.
Let’s rewind to July 2021 when Chiellini led his national side back from a 1–0 deficit to clinch Italy’s first UEFA European Championship since 1968, defeating England 3–2 on penalties in front of a hostile home crowd.
“I’ve got no regrets,” admitted the hardened Juventus defender of 17 years.
And Bianconeri coach, Max Allegri, wants a how-to-defend catalogue created.
“They should send a video of Chiellini to Coverciano to show the next generation how to defend”.
Let’s make no mistake. Chiellini is one of the greats.
ASSOLUTAMENTE. Felicitously, the (arguably) best defender of his generation confronted the (arguably) best attacker of his generation, Leo Messi, in the Finalissima.
Until now, only Gigi Buffon (176), Fabio Cannavaro (136) and Paolo Maldini (126) have played more times for Italy than Chiellini (117). Perhaps King Kong would have surpassed Maldini if he were not denied attending those elusive World Cups in Russia and Qatar.
And while Chiellini represented his nation twice on the world stage, in 2010 and 2014, they both ended in a dramatic fashion.
“There was no need to apologize. I am a great son of a bitch on the pitch as well, and I am proud of it: malice is part of football …you have to be smart, and I have always admired Suarez”.
Unapologetic and courageous. This best sums him up.
For the reigning European Champion, there was always something special about playing England. Of the seven World Cup games contested by Chiellini, he’d only tasted victory once.
Guess which nation?
Even his first Euros call-up began with drama as Chiellini injured Fabio Cannavaro in a training exercise in 2008. It may have started awkwardly, but the path to continental grandeur paid off fourteen years later.
Winning nine Scudetti from 2011 to 2020, the road to success appeared to be paved solely in black and white for the Juventus captain.
At 37 years of age and harrowing towards the exit ramp of a professional career spanning 22 seasons, the final piece of the silverware puzzle was Azzurro blue.
Chiellini is the first Italian to lead the nation to European success in 54 years and that is why Gabriele Gravina presented Keyser with a trinket to commemorate his final cap for his country.
“Playing as captain of Juve and the national team, with 500 games for Juve and 100 for the national team, it gives you a different serenity.”
While Chiellini claimed dozens of domestic footballing honours at Juventus Stadium, it’s symbolic that his final match was played at Wembley, the stadium where he achieved his greatest honour of all.
Accolades and Plaudits
Here are some of his achievements at club level. Beginning with Livorno, Chiellini later won nine Serie A titles, one Serie B title, five Coppe Italia, and five Supercoppa Italiana titles during a 17-year spell in Turin.
He also won the 2003 UEFA European Under-19 Championship with the Italy U19 side.
His notable individual achievements are Serie A Team of the Year (five times), Serie A Defender of the Year (three times), 2017 UEFA Team of the Year, UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season on two occasions.
Tu Vuo Fà L’Americano
Before committing to football, Chiellini was a basketball fanatic, and is a supporter of the Los Angeles Lakers. Therefore, it’s appropriate that he makes the move to LA FC to see out his remaining days in football.
Undoubtedly, Giorgio will be sitting courtside given the opportunity. Let’s hope the NBA broadcasters know when to pan across to Italy’s favourite balding head.
Grazie di tutto.
“Thanks for everything, it was a beautiful journey”.
Join the Lega Football team and listen to Episode 2, Giorgio Chiellini & The Finalissima, Live from Wembley. Also available on iHeartRadio, Amazon, Apple, Google, PlayerFM and more.
MORE FROM LEGA FOOTBALL
Maradona: 7 Goals in 7 Years at Napoli
Parma’s Alessandro Circati Interview
Follow Lega Football on Twitter https://twitter.com/LegaFootball
Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidferrini_