Giorgio Chiellini warns Italy that “from June 13, every game will be crucial” as they prepare for Euro 2016.
The Azzurri flew out to Montpellier this afternoon for the European Championships, as they look to lift the trophy for the first time since 1968.
CT Antonio Conte has already said that the defence will be crucial, and two of the trio – Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini – spoke to UEFA’s official website.
“We hope to give the team a sense of security,” Chiellini explained.
Giorgio Chiellini warns Italy that “from June 13, every game will be crucial” as they prepare for Euro 2016.
The Azzurri flew out to Montpellier this afternoon for the European Championships, as they look to lift the trophy for the first time since 1968.
CT Antonio Conte has already said that the defence will be crucial, and two of the trio – Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini – spoke to UEFA’s official website.
“We hope to give the team a sense of security,” Chiellini explained.
“We want our teammates to play with the knowledge that they have a solid wall behind them. It’s an important issue, and we hope we can make a great contribution to the team throughout the tournament.
“With our experience we also have to help those players who are in their first or second tournament with the national team, to help them in this important step of this career.
“They’ll have played several games in qualifying, but the final tournament is a different thing.
“From June 13, every game will be crucial and everyone will have to play with the maximum intensity. We can’t afford to be fearful when we go onto the pitch.
“So it’s a double task for us, we have to do well on the pitch while also helping the less experienced lads.
“On the other hand, the younger ones will give us the typical enthusiasm of youth, that cockiness that we perhaps lack having already played in many tournaments like this.”
Conte is expected to deploy a three-man defence in France, but Chiellini would be happy in a back-four too.
“It doesn’t change anything for me. I think formations are based on the players available, and not vice-versa.
“That said, with the greatest respect it’d be a waste not to play me, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli if we’re all in top condition.
“We’ve shown that we can also play in a four if necessary, with Barzagli or me wider than normal. The important thing is to have balance all over the pitch.
“Are we the strongest defence in the world? That’s not for me to say. There are different styles of defending. Some defenders are better on the ball, others are more aggressive.
“We definitely know we have a good defence and we can do great things. But the best will be whoever wins at the end.”