Giorgio Chiellini had has first taste of silverware in the United States, lifting the MLS Cup following LAFC’s penalty shoot-out win over Philadelphia Union.
The 38-year-old Italian centre back ended a 17-year association with Juventus in the summer, leaving on a free transfer to head to the MLS. Chiellini has done well following his move to LAFC, providing one assist and looking defensively solid across his 11 league appearances for the club.
The MLS Cup play-off final saw Chiellini’s LAFC face off against Philadelphia Union, who finished top of the Eastern Conference after 34 games. It was a tight and edgy affair that finished in an explosive fashion, when Jack Elliot thought he’d scored the winner in the 124th minute until Gareth Bale netted the equaliser for LAFC four minutes later.
Chiellini did not feature in the match, remaining on the bench throughout, but he did play 45 minutes in the club’s play-off semi-final win over Austin last week.
The victory saw LAFC lift their first ever MLS Cup, giving Chiellini an incredibly memorable start to life with the American outfit.