28 February 2019
First up Napoli… then Atletico. With unity, enthusiasm and desire to show our strength. Our captain delivers a message ahead of this crucial period of our season as we prepare for a southern trip to Naples and the return leg of our Champions League round of 16 tie.
“We are training with enthusiasm and desire to win.” Explained "Chiello" to Sky. “Sunday, against Napoli, we expect a great game, with a team that in recent years has given us a hard time. They want to win to re-open the title race and to prove that they are as strong as us. I expect this match to be more open than in previous years because both teams will have, for different reasons, great desire to do.
"Our visit to the San Paolo is not only an opportunity to add another great piece to the puzzle of winning our eighth consecutive championship, but it is also an important test in view of our return leg of our Champions League tie with Atletico.
"The points advantage we have in Naples is important, I honestly did not expect it to be so wide at this point. The 13 points advantage is more to our merits than to our opponent’s disadvantages. Disregarding the league, this game is important because it means both for us and for Napoli to demonstrate our strengths. Our performance will be very reflective of our match against Atletico Madrid and I am convinced that the team will do something important.”
Napoli v Juve is always special for Giorgio Chiellini: "The match against Napoli at San Paolo is a challenge that brings me luck. In March 2013, I scored an important goal in my return after three months out due to injury. We drew 1-1 after my important goal. We then increased the gap on the following Sunday. I also remember our match last year which was also an important victory. Especially after many of us were lost. Napoli v Juve is always a tricky match.”
As a captain, there is always daily responsibility and certainly in moments of difficulty as it takes something more. Captains are not only expected to band everyone together but to also bring energy to the squad. For example, I am happy that Barzagli has returned to the group because he is a person who makes a fundamental contribution both on and off the field. The team has a truly united in the locker room and now 15 important days will come.”
