Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus’ Director of Football Strategy, spoke to Sky Sport just minutes before kick-off in the decisive Champions League clash between Juventus and Pafos. The former Bianconeri captain reflected on the first month of Luciano Spalletti’s tenure, discussed the team’s mindset after the defeat in Naples, and commented on the decision to start Edon Zhegrova from the first minute.
A Key Match for Confidence and Progress
“This is a good opportunity, it’s a decisive match,” Chiellini said when asked about the importance of the encounter. “Pafos are a respectable side, but today a win is a must — for our confidence, for the standings, and to complete our path in the Champions League. We have to bounce back after the loss to Napoli, especially for the performance. It’s happened before that we’ve lost there, but this time the biggest regret is about how we played.”
Focus on Zhegrova’s First Start
Chiellini also addressed the decision to start Zhegrova, who joined Juventus after a long spell out of action. “There’s some curiosity about Zhegrova,” he noted. “He arrived after many months without playing, and we knew he’d struggle in the first few weeks. Now he’s doing better, but due to match circumstances we hadn’t yet had the chance to see him start. Still, he’s already shown flashes of something special in the limited minutes he’s had. Today, let’s see him from the first whistle — he’ll probably play one half or a bit more, but it would be great if he could show from the start what he’s offered in those last fifteen minutes.”
Long-Term Vision with Spalletti
Finally, Chiellini spoke at length about Spalletti’s impact since taking charge. “Luciano immediately got into the rhythm of the team — he’s on a mission,” the Juventus executive explained. “He’s here to do well and to enjoy this adventure after his time with the national team. I think the contract runs until the end of the season, but there’s no expiry date: we’re getting to know each other, and when I think of Luciano, I think in the long term, not just until June. He’s beginning to get inside the players’ heads and to influence what happens on the pitch. There’s not yet full continuity in doing what he asks of them, but it’s a building phase, and we need to move as quickly as possible. He’s a top-level coach, and at the end of the season we’ll talk — I’d be very happy to continue together.”
