01 January 2018
Giorgio Chiellini heads into 2018 with spirits high and he talked today about the great Bianconeri form and challenges ahead:
A GREAT 2017
"A beautiful year just ended," said Chiellini. "It's one we have to remember positively because we were the second strongest team in the world which is close to something we dream of."
"It is normal for the Champions League to be part of our goals, it's our ambition. But we're always focused on every training session and the weekly league matches because in Champions League you only play a few games. We have to set a good foundation with our everyday life.
Is it a dream or an obssession? It's a target. For the fans, it's a dream but for us it's a realistic goal that can be achieved. However, it's a road that you have to travel with joy because getting to the end is an incredible ride which gives you great memories."
DEVASTATING DEFENSE
After allowing an uncharacteristic amount of goals early in the season, the trademark Bianconeri defense has returned with just one goal allowed since mid-November.
"It definitely annoys me having allowed a goal on Saturday," said Chiellini. "After the match against Sampdoria, I said we had to find the spirit we've always had and it happened. There was a need for a shock and this year it happened against Samp."
"Medhi is a great player which we already knew. He's an international. Last year, he started well but had some injury issues and now he is doing well and further buoyed by achieving the World Cup with Morocco who he is captain of."
NEXT UP
"We need to play well in these last two games before the break and get to the Coppa Italia semi-final. The derby is going to be a fascinating one and something special but our goal is to raise the trophy in May."
"Then we want to continue to stay with Napoli and throw ourselves into the final months when we play for everything."
TWO-HORSE RACE?
"It's still a little too early to stay that because there are still direct matchups and also 'winnable' games where we have to avoid pitfalls like we did against Verona."
"We didn't necessarily expect to open a gap between Christmas and New Year but maybe Inter have had a little bit of fatigue. It's very difficult to stay at the same level. Rome still has a game in hand on us and can come back so it's not yet a two-horse race. There are big games left and teams can trip up. Six points is not insurmountable."
PAULO? HE'S NOT BACK BECAUSE HE NEVER LEFT!
"Dybala? He never left! We have a lot of strong players in front of us, like in other positions. You have to accept the games where you will be on the bench and the best response always comes on the field. Our coach knows how to manage us very well, and we are a healthy group, which responds during matches."
ITALIAN IDENTITY OF JUVE
"I think it's a coincidence that I was the only Italian on the field on Saturday. Juventus just bought two great Italian players in De Sciglio and Bernardeschi who are an investment for the future. Of course, Juve wants to continue the Italian tradition."
BIANCONERO THROUGH AND THROUGH
"A new contract? It's no problem there will be no surprises. After the break we will find a good moment. Juve is a family for me. It's too early to think about my future outside the pitch. I'd like to help but we'll see because right now I'm happy on the field and in the locker room."
GREAT FEELINGS FOR 2018!
"We hope it will be a year of great health and joy for everyone. We hope to continue to raise trophies!"
