Agent Davide Lippi said Juventus and Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini ‘is still a technical and moral leader’ and stressed the veteran targets a place at the World Cup in Qatar.
The 37-year-old was unavailable for Italy CT Roberto Mancini in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland on Friday, when Leonardo Bonucci and Francesco Acerbi started the match at the Olimpico.
Chiellini has played nine competitive games with Juventus this term but is currently struggling with an adductor problem.
The veteran, who helped Italy win EURO 2020 in July, signed a new deal with the Bianconeri until 2023 and his agent stressed he is hoping to take part in Qatar 2022.
Chiellini won’t be available for the decisive match against Northern Ireland in Belfast on Monday, but Lippi believes he is still needed in the squad both at club and international level.
“When he is available, it’s difficult to picture him off the pitch,” Lippi said at the presentation of the new Marco Polo Sports Centre, according to TMW.
Italy 1-1 Switzerland | Di Lorenzo saves a point, when Jorginho fails from the spot
“In this Juventus, he is still the technical and moral leader. Even last night, we saw that Giorgio Chiellini is till comfortable in the national team.
“Then, the day of the retirement will have to arrive, hopefully as late as possible, but it depends on him. He wants to continue as long as possible and wants to go to the World Cup with the national team in Qatar.
“That’s a realistic target for him too.”
TMW – Ag. Chiellini: “E’ ancora leader della Juve e dell’Italia. Vuole andare in Qatar con gli azzurri” https://t.co/wqcI3qAY7b
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) November 13, 2021
… but is currently struggling with an adductor problem.
What about the fans struggling with the choice of materiel in Italy.
Surely you can send scouts into Italian villages and find us some Baggios, Del Peiros, how do I know that? I lived in Italy and would go to the local town matches and watch wonder kids who would never get discovered.
We risk playoffs now because of this political climate in Italy.