Giorgio Chiellini’s contract expires in 2023, but according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italy and Juventus captain could retire if the Azzurri fail to qualify for the World Cup.
Chiellini signed a two-year contract extension with the Bianconeri after the Euros, hoping to play the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, Italy made their life complicated by failing to win their qualification group, so they’ll have to get a spot for the World Cup through the play-offs.
Roberto Mancini’s side will face North Macedonia in the semi-finals and could meet Turkey or Portugal in the Final.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the result of the play-off could have an impact on the future of Chiellini.
The veteran will decide whether or not to play for one more season in the summer. ‘The feeling is that a lot will depend on the play-offs in March,’ wrote the newspaper.
The 37-year-old has played 546 games with the Bianconeri and has 114 Italy caps to his name. He captained the Azzurri during the winning UEFA Euro 2020 campaign last summer.