Giorgio Chiellini believes Italy’s defence must improve if they are to have a successful World Cup this summer.
The Azzurri kept a clean sheet in their recent friendly with Republic of Ireland but conceded a late equaliser to Luxembourg on Wednesday.
Giorgio Chiellini believes Italy’s defence must improve if they are to have a successful World Cup this summer.
The Azzurri kept a clean sheet in their recent friendly with Republic of Ireland but conceded a late equaliser to Luxembourg on Wednesday.
Speaking at a Press conference today, the Juventus” data-scaytid=”5″>Juventus man admitted the defensive side of Cesare Prandelli’s team’s game has lost its edge recently but stressed he and his teammates are working hard to recover it.
“We have spoken a lot [about the defence] amongst ourselves,” Chiellini said. “It’s an aspect for us to improve.
“I think it would be limited to only talk about the defence, though I do think the defence of the team lost a little bit of intensity over the 90 minutes [against Luxembourg].
“Compared to two years ago we have lost a bit of our edge, but we are working to get it back.
“Not conceding goals is important because it’s not always possible to score two or three goals to win.
“It’s not just about the number of attackers, but it’s the intensity and holding your positions in the defensive phase that make the difference. It’s not one, two or three attackers.”
Chiellini was then asked whether he prefers playing as part of a four-man rearguard or as one of three central defenders, as he regularly does with club side Juve.
“The Coach will decide, not me. We are just the players available, it will be up to Prandelli to make the various decisions.
“We are used to playing both as a three and as a four. The experience of all of us means we can play in both formations.”