Chiellini decided to retire earlier to avoid a significant decline in performance. He felt he played one or two years too many but wanted to end his career on a high note, especially after enjoying his time in the US where the pressure was less intense.
Chiellini found playing in the US to be a fantastic experience with much less pressure. He described it as a show and entertainment, contrasting with the life-or-death intensity of playing in Italy every three days.
Chiellini was taught aggressive marking techniques from a young age, focusing on tricks to avoid referees while preventing forwards from scoring. This included pulling shirts and making subtle fouls, which he applied naturally in games, like his infamous tackle on Saka.
Chiellini defended his tackle on Saka, stating it was a natural reaction and he was certain it was only a yellow card. He acknowledged the criticism from English fans but stood by his decision, believing it was fair.
Chiellini nearly joined Sunderland in 2008 after positive discussions with his agent. However, issues with money and transfer details prevented the move, and he remained with Juventus.
Chiellini believes that while learning from the best is good, teams should maintain their identity. He criticized the trend of defenders playing out from the back, especially when it leads to mistakes, arguing that defending should remain a priority.
Chiellini noted that the pressure on England during the Euro 2020 final was immense, describing it as a nightmare for them. In contrast, Italy approached the game as a dream, which made it easier for them to perform.
Chiellini's strategy was to avoid counter-attacks and maintain possession, knowing that England's pacey players like Sterling and Mount could exploit transitions. Italy focused on keeping the ball and staying compact to control the game.
Chiellini attributes England's struggles with possession to their focus on being solid and effective rather than controlling the game. He suggested that England needs to use their strengths more effectively, particularly their wingers and midfielders.
Chiellini believes the Super League was an attempt by clubs like Juventus, Barcelona, and Real Madrid to compete with the Premier League's dominance. He acknowledged the financial challenges post-COVID but questioned how such a league could realistically challenge the Premier League's supremacy.
Listen-in to the best unseen and unheard moments from the Overlap on Tour, brought to you by Sky Mobile!
Join Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, and Ian Wright in Turin as they sit down with Giorgio Chiellini for an exclusive dinner discussion.
This episode of The Overlap on Tour, brought to you by Sky Mobile, dives into Chiellini's illustrious career, his thoughts on managing football pressure, the essence of Italian defence, and his near moves to English clubs.
Enjoy a mix of heartfelt conversations, football insights, and light-hearted moments as they explore Chiellini's journey and experiences in the world of football.
Don’t miss all four episodes of The Overlap On Tour, available now on Sky and NOW.
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