Chiellini ‘ashamed’ of what he did to referee Oliver, Italy ‘don’t need’ World Cup pressure | OneFootball

Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini admits he’s ‘ashamed’ of some things he did in his playing career, including a money gesture in a Champions League match against Real Madrid and insists there’s ‘no need’ to put pressure on Italy’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Chiellini spoke to reporters on Friday after an event at the Luiss University in Rome.

He discussed the Juventus 2015 crisis, saying that Gigi Buffon played a key role in helping the team, but also spoke about a penalty kick incident that sent Juventus out of the Champions League in 2018.

English referee Michael Oliver faced harsh criticism from Juventus players on and off the pitch, including from Chiellini, who was spotted shouting ‘you pay’ towards Real Madrid players.

“I’ve done things wrong and things I’m ashamed of. For example, with referee Oliver or even with Rizzoli,” Chiellini said via Tuttosport. “I told myself that I couldn’t act that way, but I had to try to help the referee since he’s a person just like me.”

Chiellini ‘ashamed’ of what he did to referee Oliver, Italy ‘don’t need’ World Cup pressure

Giorgio Chiellini Bryan Cristante

Chiellini left Juventus in 2022 and finished his career at LAFC, where he also served as a club director. Could be return to Los Angeles one day?

“I left my heart there. I don’t know when, but I will return,” he admitted.

“I wanted to stabilise my family, so I returned to Turin. I’m not ruling anything out, but I still see myself there for many years.”

The former defender experienced highs and lows with Italy’s national team, winning the 2020 Euros but also failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Luciano Spalletti’s men will begin the 2026 World Cup qualifiers this year.

“I’ve always been confident, even in the most difficult moments when I was part of the group,” Chiellini concluded.

“There’s no need to put additional pressure on the team, they know how important it is to return to playing in the World Cup. There are people within the squad who know how to guide the younger players.

“Hopefully, in 16 months, we’ll all be in the United States. Regarding Italian football, there’s a lot of enthusiasm and a strong desire for a fresh start with players with technical skills and strong human values.”