Italy team manager Gabriele Oriali was “disappointed” Juventus recalled Giorgio Chiellini from international duty.
Italy team manager Gabriele Oriali was “disappointed” Juventus recalled Giorgio Chiellini from international duty.
The defender’s bruised calf muscle had ruled him out of Tuesday’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Norway, the first competitive test for new Coach Antonio Conte.
Originally the FIGC released a statement that Chiellini would be staying with the squad in agreement with Juventus, but today he was recalled to Turin.
“We’re disappointed Chiellini had to leave,” Oriali told reporters at the Coverciano training ground this afternoon.
“There is a new Coach, who worked with him for three years, and knowing his methods Chiellini could’ve been of use to his teammates.
“Juve changed their minds and asked for the player’s presence in Turin, so we could only accept and stick to the rules.
“What was the official explanation for the change? We didn’t ask and they didn’t tell us. They wanted him back at the club base, perhaps to get him fit again quickly, although at the Nazionale we have very talented medics and physiotherapists.
“Keeping Chiellini here wasn’t specifically Conte’s request, but rather an idea everyone had.
“Should this sudden U-turn be seen as a Juve snub towards Conte? You can translate it any way you like…
“The player was certainly disappointed not to remain in the squad and to miss out on travelling to Oslo. He feels very close to the Azzurri jersey and sets the example along with Buffon, De Rossi and Pirlo.”