- CAPMIONI DELL ITALIA SIAMO NOI - 4th in a row - 33 -

Chiellini: 'Losing hair and pace...'
By Football Italia staff


Giorgio Chiellini joked he’s “losing hair and pace, but gaining in other areas” after a fourth consecutive Juventus title.

“For various reasons we can’t celebrate the way we did on other occasions, because the importance of Tuesday’s game is undeniable,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

The squad limited itself to a swig of champagne in the locker room after a 1-0 win over Sampdoria, as they face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final next week.

“This Scudetto was earned a while back and I think the final step was beating Lazio. We were waiting for it to become mathematically impossible to catch us, but we still want to play a great last month.”

Juve switched from three at the back to four, sometimes asking Chiellini to play at left-back.

“As the years go by you are losing hair and pace, but gaining in other areas,” he laughed. “I lost something in physical terms, but learned to think more and I think I’m in my football prime.

“The whole team worked hard, sweated for the result and suffered. I hope to be an emblem of those characteristics.”

Chiellini had particular praise for Roberto Pereyra, who arrived from Udinese over the summer.

“I certainly didn’t expected him to be that good, but he became a first choice and few saw that coming.”

Marotta: 'Allegri pelted with eggs'
By Football Italia staff

Beppe Marotta hailed Max Allegri for the Scudetto, remembering “we were greeted by spitting, eggs and kicks.”

The tactician stepped in for Antonio Conte when pre-season training had already begun, but fans rebelled with banners declaring ‘We don’t want Allegri.’

“This Scudetto feels very important because it came with a change of Coach that was somewhat traumatic for us,” director general Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“The first day with Allegri and the President in the car, we were greeted at the training ground by spitting, eggs and kicks.

“It was a challenge to turn that attitude around, but we won the Scudetto together and also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

“Allegri is the leader of the team and we know modern football is about motivation and getting the best out of both a group and individuals.

“Max imposed his discipline and tactical philosophy, taking the team to the Scudetto, Champions League semi-final and Coppa Italia Final. I don’t think we could’ve expected any more.”

They only needed a point at Marassi to secure the title today, but emerged 1-0 winners thanks to an Arturo Vidal header.

“I am glad we won the title with a win over a great team that was unbeaten on home turf until now. Many thought we would be complacent here, but we showed how much we wanted to win in style.”

Buffon: 'Juve beat apathy'
By Football Italia staff

Gigi Buffon reveals the most important Juventus Scudetto tactic was “to beat potential apathy or complacency.”

The Bianconeri secured their fourth consecutive Serie A title, beating Sampdoria 1-0.

“The older you get, the more gratifying the titles are. After all, they could be the last!” joked the captain on Sky Sport Italia.

There will be no big parties or parades right now, as they must focus on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final.

“We were allowed 10 minutes to celebrate! The thought of Real Madrid has been hovering through our minds for a while, but the joy was inevitable.

“We have to keep our heads and hearts on the Champions League semi-final to not have any regrets.

“In a way the others gave us a helping hand, as last season it was a much closer race to the end, one that did not allow us to make any slip-ups.

“This time towards the end we dropped points, which was somewhat inevitable in a campaign with so many fixtures and responsibilities.

“This Scudetto has a special flavour for me and shows the spirit of sacrifice, the hunger and ambition of a group that in my view has no equal.

“When the Coach changed many – including us! – wondered what effect it would have, but we banded together.

“When you believe or even know that you are the strongest team, it’s important to beat potential apathy or complacency. A series of victories are great, but every now and then we need a slap to wake us up.”