Chiellini reveals he helped Juve target integrate in Italy squad

19 nov 2018

Sandro Tonali is a name on many lips of Italian football fans. The Brescia midfielder is being dubbed the ‘new Pirlo’, with interest in the floppy-haired playmaker from top clubs like Juventus, Manchester United and Chelsea. Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini revealed, to Rai 1, how he helped Tonali and the other young Italians integrate into the Azzurri squad, with the midfielder earning his first call-up for the games against Portugal and USA; likely to feature at some point against the USA in their friendly.

“The welcome to the boys like Tonali is important. When I was 20, I was so embarrassed, I try to ease the tension and make them feel part of the group despite the age difference. It's a pleasure to be able to help them, they pose well and it's a pleasure to see them grow up. I also felt their own emotions: in Messina, 14 years ago with Finland ... I had more hair and a cleaner face but it was a good path.”

Perhaps innocent help but Tonali trusting in Chiellini could prove vital when the midfielder chooses where he wants to play next either in the summer or as soon as January.

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