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Giorgio ChielliniItalian footballer, defender
Date of Birth: 14.08.1984
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Giorgio Chiellini: A Stalwart Defender
- Transfer to Juventus
- Establishing as a Top Defender
- International Career
- Controversies and Achievements
- Retirement and Later Life
- Personal Life
Giorgio Chiellini: A Stalwart Defender
Early Career at LivornoBorn in Pisa, Italy, Giorgio Chiellini began his football journey with his hometown club, Livorno. He spent four seasons with the team, starting in Serie C1 and moving up to Serie B. In 2001-02, he helped Livorno win the Serie C1 Group A championship. By his final season (2003-04), he had become a regular starter.
Transfer to Juventus
In the summer of 2004, Chiellini joined Juventus for a fee of €6.5 million. Juventus immediately sold 50% of his rights to Fiorentina for €3.5 million, and he spent the 2004-05 season on loan at the Florence-based club. After that, Juventus reacquired him for €4.3 million.
Establishing as a Top Defender
Chiellini's contract was extended in 2006 and again in 2008, solidifying his position as a key player for Juventus. He was named Serie A's Best Defender three consecutive times (2008, 2009, 2010) by the Italian Footballers' Association. His skills as a center-back made him a cornerstone of both Juventus and the Italian national team's defenses.
International Career
Chiellini made his debut for the Italian national team in 2004 and quickly became a regular. He was part of the U-19 Italian team that won the European Championship in 2003 and played in the bronze medal-winning team at the 2004 Olympics. Despite missing the 2006 World Cup, he remained a trusted member of the Italian defense.
Controversies and Achievements
In 2014, Chiellini became the subject of a biting controversy involving Uruguay's Luis Suarez during a World Cup match. Despite suffering a shoulder injury, he helped Italy finish in third place. In the same year, he received his first red card for Italy, followed by an unusual double of a goal and an own goal against Azerbaijan.
Retirement and Later Life
Chiellini announced his retirement from international football in 2017. In April 2017, he graduated summa cum laude with a master's degree in economics and commerce from the University of Turin. He is known for his intelligence, graduating with honors and writing a master's thesis on Juventus's business model.
Personal Life
Chiellini married his long-time partner, Carolina Bonistalli, in 2014, and they have a daughter named Nina. His twin brother, Claudio, is his agent. Chiellini has been featured on the Italian covers of FIFA video games, including FIFA 10 alongside Ronaldinho and FIFA 11 with Kaka.
