Giorgio Chiellini reveals Italy’s 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland is ‘the kind of game I really enjoy playing’ and there are tougher tests coming up.
The Azzurri kept another clean sheet, now over 300 minutes of football without conceding, and started their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland.
“We won, we didn’t concede, so that is a good start,” Chiellini told RAI Sport.
Giorgio Chiellini reveals Italy’s 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland is ‘the kind of game I really enjoy playing’ and there are tougher tests coming up.
The Azzurri kept another clean sheet, now over 300 minutes of football without conceding, and started their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland.
“We won, we didn’t concede, so that is a good start,” Chiellini told RAI Sport.
“It was a very good first half, in the second we made a few too many mistakes, but we deserved the victory.”
The veteran was paired with his Juventus teammate Leonardo Bonucci to counter the physicality of the Irish side.
“It’s the kind of game I really enjoy playing, because they are physical and dangerous on the second ball or set plays. We were very concentrated, especially in the first half, but I think the coach can be happy.”
Italy now have another two matches in this group, visiting Bulgaria on Sunday and then Lithuania on March 31.
“We now have two away games that might seem easy on paper, but it’s always tough on your travels internationally. There are more dangers than might at first appear.”
Manuel Locatelli, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Domenico Berardi stepped in for Jorginho, Nicolò Barella and Federico Chiesa, while Chiellini certainly won’t play all three games.
“The good thing about this group is the interchangeability of the personnel, without changing the overall approach or performance of the team.
“The coach has many options available and that is important.”