John Terry admits he studied Italian defenders and praises Giorgio Chiellini for his foul on Bukayo Saka during the UEFA Euro 2020 Final: ‘If you just think about it, you are a legend.’
The former English defender previewed tonight’s Chelsea-Juventus in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, predicting a 2-0 win for the Blues.
“Chelsea are in shape and haven’t had problems since they lost in Turin. To me, they are superior to Juventus even with the absentees,” the former Chelsea captain said.
The Blues and the Bianconeri meet at Stamford Bridge tonight. It kicks off at 20.00 UK time.
Juventus have already qualified for the last 16 with two games to spare and need at least two points in the last two games to win Group H ahead of the defending Champions.
Massimiliano Allegri’s side beat the Blues in the reverse fixture in Turin in September, thanks to a goal from Federico Chiesa.
Terry, 40, spent almost his entire career at Chelsea, playing 713 games at Stamford Bridge.
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During the interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he revealed the influence of Italian players in his career.
“I studied Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini. Maldini is my absolute idol, he made everything look easy. Nobody has ever had his style,” he said.
“Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are the best players of his generation, they are two legends already,” Terry continued.
“To do what Chiellini did on Saka….it not easy. If you just think about it, it’s clear that you are a legend.
“To me, England were superior to Italy, but the Azzurri had something special. When I saw them sing the national anthem during the group stage, I thought: ‘This is what the fans want, fight together, with passion and sacrifice.’ The experience did the rest.”
Terry got to know many Italian legends at Chelsea, especially Gianluca Vialli and Gianfranco Zola.
“Gianluca was the first one who really believed in me. He hated losing, his movements were incredible, as his passion. He gave everything for Chelsea, he was an outstanding example.
“Zola is another great man, he always helped me and I will thank him forever. Sometimes, at that time, we had no food after training sessions. He and Vialli sorted it out by bringing an Italian chef.
“We became accustomed to having correct eating habits, do stretching and going to bed early.”
Parla Terry: “Che leggende Bonucci e Chiellini, studiavo da loro. Ma vince il Chelsea” https://t.co/uvLqok5J6z
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) November 23, 2021
“To me, England were superior to Italy, but the Azzurri had something special.”
Does he mean during the final or throughout the tournament itself? Either way he is wrong. Outside of bias, it would be interesting to see how he came to that conclusion. My guess is that he believes the English players to be more talented and based his verdict on this.
Italy were much better in the final, bossing the entire game after the first 10 minutes; having a lot more of the ball and a lot more efforts on goal.
Throughout Euro 2020, Italy played the better, more adventurous football and did so against stronger opponents.
England were a very solid, but dull side. They had many advantages, as they played all but one game away from Wembley, didn’t have to travel all over the continent and had the easier side of the draw. Yet they still couldn’t get over the line.
“To me, England were superior to Italy, but the Azzurri had something special.”
This is why ex English players as pundits or match analysers suck. What on earth is he on about?
Italy played England off the park after their quick goal and 2 other attack short after. If you watch the final, at minute 8 the English players are hooving the ball forward with no intent to play.
It is obvious the English consider themselves superior for simply existing. I suppose he thinks English players, individually, were superior to Italian because l, A they are English, B they play in the Premier league.
I was intrigued to look up his interview but how can you after someone is so deluded and bias.
They also think they are going to win the world cup, especially after hammering the great San Marino 10-0. All those years gone by and 1 rusty cup. Arrogance with no substance.