Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus legend and newly appointed Director of Football Strategy, recently opened up about his transition from the pitch to the boardroom during an appearance on “The Excellent Leadership Podcast.” In a candid interview, Chiellini reflected on his playing career, his most challenging opponents, and the unique responsibilities he now faces as a club executive.
A New Chapter at Juventus
“It’s very different from being on the pitch, from playing the game. It’s a different rhythm, a different responsibility, a different pressure—not bigger or smaller, just different, for sure. And the biggest difference I’ve found is that it doesn’t depend on me. It’s very different,” Chiellini admitted, highlighting the shift in mindset required for his new role.
As Director of Football Strategy, Chiellini reports directly to Juventus CEO Damien Comolli. His responsibilities include shaping the club’s long-term football vision, overseeing youth development, and contributing to major corporate decisions. His appointment comes as part of a broader managerial overhaul at Juventus, signaling a new era for the club.
Facing the Best: Ibrahimovic
When asked about his toughest opponent, Chiellini didn’t hesitate: “Ibrahimovic was my best opponent during my career. At the beginning, we were teammates and then we played against each other many times. Now we’ve met again and I have a good relationship with him. Both of us in Los Angeles? He didn’t win, I won. That’s a good point.”
Advice for Italy Ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Chiellini offered words of encouragement to the Italian national team: “They must be proud to represent Italy and they must be proud to show some children who have never seen Italy play in a World Cup.”
Memories of Serie B and Leadership Lessons
Reflecting on his early days with Juventus, Chiellini recalled: “At that time, I was 22, I had just arrived at Juventus, and it was a moment for me to take on more responsibility, to become more important in the team. The people who should be mentioned from that time are Buffon, Del Piero, Trezeguet, Nedved, Camoranesi—those players who decided to stay, who had already won the World Cup. I did a lot for Juventus after them, but at that time it was quite easy for me. One year in Serie B, I started playing as a starter, I started to take more responsibility, and I tried to learn from them what it means to be a Juventus captain, an important player.”
On Leadership and Buffon
Chiellini also spoke about leadership, drawing a distinction between his style and that of former teammate Gianluigi Buffon: “Gigi was able to find the words that go deeper into your heart to change these kinds of moments; to bring out something you don’t expect to have and to get the team back on the right track. I don’t think I have that ability, I’m different and I try to do it in another way.”
The Juventus Difference
Describing what sets Juventus apart, Chiellini explained: “When you arrive at Juventus, for at least six months you don’t understand where you are. It’s not because it’s better, but it’s different, and then you have to start to understand how it works, and then you understand what is different compared to what you’re used to.”
The Importance of the Club
“The club is really the element that makes you win titles, or sometimes even the reason why a club doesn’t win a title,” he emphasized, underlining the foundational role of the organization in achieving success.
On Coaches Conte and Allegri
Chiellini praised the two coaches who influenced him most: “The two best coaches I had in my career, with whom I spent the most years, are Conte and Allegri. They were very different, but I think they are the coaches who taught me the most. Conte completely changed my idea of football, not only in defending but also in being a more complete player. We started playing much more with the ball, not just without it. Allegri gave us a sense of freedom and responsibility, which were very important for me.”
A Near Move to Real Madrid
He revealed how close he came to leaving Italy: “I was close to Real Madrid. How close or not is not easy to say. I also had some talks with Manchester teams during the same period.”
A New Era for Juventus
Chiellini’s journey from player to executive marks a significant transition, both for him and for Juventus. As he summed up, “It’s very different, I have a different responsibility.”
