“It’s not easy for most people, but I think it fits perfectly with who Gigi is and who he has been throughout his career.” Giorgio Chiellini has no doubts and is a guest on Sky during ‘Euroshow’ praised Buffon in his new role as head of delegation: “If you go and listen to my old interviews he was able to find the right words in difficult moments that enter your heart and that help you go out and find those details that make the difference between winning and losing. It’s perfect for that position, you can see from the images how involved he is in what he is doing. His role goes beyond the head of delegation, because he is a point of reference for Spalletti, for the players, for the fans. He’s the one who manages to make so many things tie together thanks to his presence.”
“Spalletti is a guarantee. There isn’t much difference with Spain”
On Italy’s progress he added: “It was important to start with the three points. The start was a shock, I was about to faint in the 1st and 90th minutes, so the other 88 minutes were good and give confidence for the future With Spain there isn’t that much difference between us and them, in the end one point is enough: it’s not easy but it’s not impossible either. Compared to the past they have a slightly different attitude, but it is a strong team. We will certainly have more space, they will not be passive like Albania. I believe we can manage the match, but we will also have to be ready to know how to defend. The greatest guarantee is Spalletti, it was already seen in some choices in the first match. I didn’t expect Chiesa on the right, a thicker midfield, the choice of Calafiori and the position of Bastoni: he was right. I have good feelings for Italy, especially for the transition of the group, then you can’t predict what will happen next.”
in-depth analysis
Lying, penalties and elbows: Italy-Spain story
“Lukaku is the solution, not the problem”
The former defender then defended Lukaku from criticism: “He is someone who manages to create many opportunities on his own, in a match like today how could he score, he did but it was disallowed. If I were in Belgium I wouldn’t look at Lukaku as a problem, but as a solution. The others are the problems. They gave away a goal that is unacceptable at certain levels, they put the game on an uphill climb that only we had done worse. In a European Championship you can’t make a mistake with that pass, I don’t understand how you can make a pass like that inside the penalty area.”
in-depth analysis
2nd goal canceled out for Lukaku: the chip was decisive
“I have beautiful memories of Deschamps”
Chiellini who, during his career, was also coached by the French coach Deschamps: “I was lucky enough to have him the year of Serie B. I have wonderful memories of him, apart from as a coach who then demonstrated it before and after, just as a person and management of the locker room. Despite the B, he was good at making the group have a good year, in a surreal situation. And I like how the team is setting up, the left chain in my opinion will be a pleasure to see. Thuram and Dembelé will be asked to make an extra effort to give balance a team that is very strong.”
see also
The Euro 2024 group standings
“Mbappé? The first time I called Paratici at 11…”
Finally, a memory linked to the first time he faced Mbappé: “It was one of his first great appearances in the Champions League, with Monaco in 2017. I remember that I had seen the match before against City, I had called Paratici at 11 and said “but who is this?”. He said they were expecting it…”.
