Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini declares “our strength must be our solidity” at Euro 2016.
The Azzurri go into this summer’s tournament in France without key midfielders Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio, and with doubts about the forward line.
“We’re all available and ready to do well,” Chiellini told reporters in a Press conference at Coverciano.
“The European Championship is a different competition from the World Cup, it’s not a clash of completely different styles of football.
Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini declares “our strength must be our solidity” at Euro 2016.
The Azzurri go into this summer’s tournament in France without key midfielders Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio, and with doubts about the forward line.
“We’re all available and ready to do well,” Chiellini told reporters in a Press conference at Coverciano.
“The European Championship is a different competition from the World Cup, it’s not a clash of completely different styles of football.
“In my opinion there will be much more balanced, and our strength must be our solidity. We have to make sure we don’t concede much and win matches that way.
“Italy will have to be a team which wins 1-0, 2-0. Not 4-3.”
Italy take on Scotland in Malta on Sunday, and Chiellini feels it will be good preparation for facing Ireland.
“They’re similar to Ireland, and can also be compared to Norway who we’ve already faced [in qualifying].
“It must serve as a starting point for the third group game against Ireland, their strikers have good physicality and they look to get a lot of crosses in.
“That game will have to give us a little something, the aim is to come back from Malta with a bit more confidence.
“Belgium? They’re a great team, and a lot will depend on the physical condition of [Kevin] De Bruyne and [Eden] Hazard, the latter has come into good form recently.
“Maybe they lack a bit of experience for the final victory, but I think they’ll get out of the group, and they’re the favourites for the group.”
Despite winning 82 caps for the Azzurri, the centre-back has yet to win any international honours, or any European trophies with Juve. Would he fill in at full-back to lift the trophy?
“We’re aware of our potential, and there’s a huge desire to play tournaments like this. A win at international level always means something more.
“When you win the Euros, or the Champions League, it’s definitely something different to the Scudetto. Italy have won the Euros once, so this would be a unique opportunity.
“I have no problems covering at full-back.”