Chiellini on legendary warrior status, World Cup dream and EURO 2020 triumph | OneFootball

Giorgio Chiellini reveals the toughest striker he faced, the best defenders in Azzurri history, and why he hopes Italy face Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil in the World Cup Final.

The legendary defender sat down with the Vivo Azzurro channel, representing the Nazionale, about his career at Juventus and representing his country.

“I consider Juventus to be a sort of second family. I gave the club so much, made personal sacrifices too, but was rewarded with extraordinary sporting success and the affection of millions of fans,” said Chiellini.

He was questioned on the strongest opponent he has ever faced and chose someone who he saw up close.

“Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who I also managed to play with at Juventus. The teammate who taught me the most was Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Chiellini was Calcio’s ultimate warrior

Juventus’ defender Giorgio Chiellini (C) reacts during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match Juventus vs Real Madrid on May 5, 2015 at the Juventus stadium in Turin. AFP PHOTO / MARCO BERTORELLO (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

Chiellini was famously called a ‘warrior’ for his determination and grit on the field, especially when ending matches patched up and bloody.

“The idea of being a ‘warrior’ is part of me, but in the early years it felt almost as if I needed an enemy to fight against. I worked on that aspect of myself, because ultimately it was just a waste of energy. I will add that the birth of my first daughter also helped the maturation process.”

The defender was part of the iconic squad that won the EURO 2020 trophy, but he admits to regrets from Italy’s World Cup campaigns.

“All the World Cups went badly for me. In 2010 and 2014, we didn’t get beyond the first round, then we didn’t even qualify for the next two. When we lost the play-offs to Sweden in 2017, I didn’t sleep for several nights.

“However, I have unforgettable memories of that victory at Wembley, it was incredibly satisfying to experience that with my teammates.”

Italian former player Giorgio Chiellini brings the trophy ahead the UEFA Euro 2024 final football match between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 14, 2024. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Chiellini was part of the iconic ‘BBC’ defence, formed of Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Chiellini, but he insists they were not the best trio in Italy history.

“No, because if I think back to Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro… I certainly cannot consider myself better than them. There is a lot of talent today too, look at Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Buongiorno.”

Italy have missed the last two editions of the World Cup and even their participation in 2026 is in doubt after a bad start to qualifying.

“Our lads have to qualify to give this joy to children who grew up never even seeing Italy play in a World Cup. I dream of a Final between Italy and Ancelotti’s Brazil. That would be an historic match.”