Background and career
Giorgio Chiellini (Italian pronunciation: [ˈdʒordʒo kjelˈliːni, ˈdʒɔr-]; born 14 August 1984) is an Italian former professional footballer who played as a centre-back or left-back. Considered one of the best defenders of all time, Chiellini was known for his strength, aggressiveness, man-marking, and ability to play in either a three or four-man defence.
At the club level, Chiellini began his career with Livorno in 2000, later playing for Fiorentina on loan as well. After moving to Juventus in 2005, he won a record nine consecutive Serie A titles with the club from 2012 to 2020, as well as five Coppa Italia and five Supercoppa Italiana trophies, having also played two UEFA Champions League finals in 2015 and 2017. Chiellini was named in the Serie A Team of the Year five times, and was elected the league's Defender of the Year on three consecutive occasions between 2008 and 2010. He departed to the United States to join Los Angeles FC in 2022, winning the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup in his first season, before announcing his retirement the following year at the age of 39.
Having made his international debut for Italy in 2004, Chiellini was selected in the nation's squads for the 2004 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal. He also represented Italy in four UEFA European Championships, two FIFA World Cups and two FIFA Confederations Cups. He captained the Azzurri to the UEFA Euro 2020 title, and was also part of the sides that reached the final of Euro 2012 and achieved a third-place finish at the 2013 Confederations Cup. Chiellini retired from international football in 2022 with 117 caps, making him Italy's joint fifth-highest appearance holder.
