Giorgio Chiellini has praised “smart” new boy Matthijs de Ligt and urged Juventus to “get used to being courageous” under Maurizio Sarri.

De Ligt has received both praise and criticism in his first few months with Juve, but Chiellini says the former Ajax defender has proved to be a quick learner.

“I talk to him every day, he’s smart, he wants to learn and is doing so quickly,” the 35-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.

“He was only born in 1999 and he has been catapulted into a new way of playing.”

Giorgio Chiellini has praised “smart” new boy Matthijs de Ligt and urged Juventus to “get used to being courageous” under Maurizio Sarri.

De Ligt has received both praise and criticism in his first few months with Juve, but Chiellini says the former Ajax defender has proved to be a quick learner.

“I talk to him every day, he’s smart, he wants to learn and is doing so quickly,” the 35-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.

“He was only born in 1999 and he has been catapulted into a new way of playing.”

The club captain is expected to return in March, when the Bianconeri contest the business end of the season…

“Between January and February, we need to upgrade. We will have to try and play a bit better. We need a spark to propel us.

“Over the past few years, we enjoyed winning 1-0. Now we must get used to being courageous and take risks, like against Inter. We can’t stay in limbo.”

The Old Lady will complete the group stage of the Champions League when they face Bayer Leverkusen next week.

They have already qualified for the last 16 and Chiellini is desperate to go all the way in the tournament.

“There may be some teams that are stronger than us, but talking will be done on the pitch.

“There are 5-6 teams, including us, that aim to win every year.”

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