Giorgio Chiellini looked ahead to the next Serie A season, Italy’s chances at the European Championship and the qualities of Bologna ace Joshua Zirkzee.
A number of sweeping changes are expected in the Italian topflight ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, starting with the imminent arrival of Antonio Conte at Napoli, who is ready to start a new project in the Campania capital.
Other important changes at Serie A over the coming months including the start of the Thiago Motta era at Juventus, Inter’s plans to bolster their squad in the transfer market and the future of Milan following the end of Stefano Pioli’s five-year spell in charge.
Chiellini looks ahead
Speaking on page nine of today’s Corriere dello Sport, Chiellini first discussed how well Conte would do at Napoli.
“Good. Yes, I can see him doing well. I believe he rested and needed it after some personal issues that affected him. I haven’t seen him recently, but I felt he was ready, and Napoli are a place that give you a lot, that energise you a lot.”
He was asked if he was surprised by the dominance of Inter this season.
“No way! I already said it last July, then also in December. They told me I was being superstitious, that I didn’t want to mention Juventus, but for me the difference was obvious and so it was. The only doubt is the new ownership, but from what I read it seems to me that everything is under control.
“If they maintain the structure, with controlled management and targeted investments, Inter are too far ahead of the others. If all the players remain, as it seems, Inzaghi’s team will start as favourites next year too.”
Chiellini analysed the qualities of Zirkzee and what could come next in the summer.
“I already liked him when he was at Parma. I immediately saw great potential but also that inconsistency that is part of the normal growth path of a very young boy. Going to play from Bayern Munich to Parma wasn’t easy, but the qualities could be seen.
“I would say that he has everything to do well at the top clubs. However, we need to give him time. He has to work hard, make mistakes and grow over the years. A bit like what happened to Vlahovic. He also needed a bit of an adaptation period at Juventus.”
Chiellini weighed in on Luciano Spalletti’s Italy and his work with the national team.
“I’m very happy with Spalletti and for Spalletti. I believe that he is the greatest guarantee for our Italy. I have the utmost respect for him, and I’m convinced that if there is someone who can make us relive the magical Italian nights, well, it’s him.”
Finally, Chiellini discussed if Italy arriving at Euro 2024 as defending champions was advantageous or not.
“It shouldn’t be a team thought. The coach is thinking. And in any case the favourites are others, the pressure is on France, England, Portugal, Germany, Spain, not on us.
“This group only has to gain from this European Championship. Italy are outsiders. Facing us in direct elimination challenges is never easy. I expect fun.”