Giorgio Chiellini admits there’s “something magical” with Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci for Juventus and Italy.
The centre-backs are collectively known as the ‘BBC’ group, but Chiellini has a different approach.
“With Buffon it’s the BBBC,” he told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
Giorgio Chiellini admits there’s “something magical” with Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci for Juventus and Italy.
The centre-backs are collectively known as the ‘BBC’ group, but Chiellini has a different approach.
“With Buffon it’s the BBBC,” he told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
“It is certainly a wonderful group of friends, of people who – apart from the rapport that we’ve built on and off the pitch – reached a certain level because there’s something magical in that relationship.
“With all due respect, we have never been and are currently not the best defenders in the world, but together we each raise the game of the other. That is true.
“There is also profound friendship, something deep that makes us share everything. We have our strengths and weaknesses, but when you care for someone, you don’t dwell on the defects and only see their qualities.
“At the end of the day, all four of us are people who live for our work and put heart and soul into it. If there’s no passion in there or a human connection, you can get results once in a while, but not in the long-term.
“It all stems from the passion. Heart is the main ingredient, then follows hard work, quality, character and desire to win. Without heart, solidarity and that understanding, believe me, you won’t get the results we’ve achieved over so many years.”
Chiellini was also asked about Bonucci’s suggestion he eats garlic before every match to irritate opponents.
“Fortunately he brushes his teeth when it comes to talking to us!” laughed the Juve teammate.