Chiellini is an aggressive defender. When he tackles, he will let you know about it fully well. He likes physicality and can get stuck into the pie. Compared to the greats like Nesta, Cannavarro and Baresi....Chiellini is not on their level. But tonight, when Juventus take on Madrid and the goal-freak that is Cristina, Giorgio has to be at his very best. Anything less and the arrogant one WILL get his G. But the way in which he stops Cristina is not like how he would for Robben or Messi.
Cristina does not get his G's from taking men on, he gets them from his amazing off the ball movement, anticipation and headers. He is the IDEAL striker...who plays as a winger, but that's another discussion. So, Chiellini just has to be smart and watch the moves that Cristina makes. So this is where he needs to take a note from the Italian greats and read the game so he is always in the right place at the right time. It's all about using the defensive brain power.
This won't be easy. When a player is on an amazing goal streak, and is addicted to scoring G's, it's very hard to stop them. You just hit that stride and always manage to be in that right spot for the tap-in. So Chiellini and his mates must just step up their game, making the backline impenetrable with impeccable organisation, giving ZERO space to Cristiano and his gang....which is how Atletico played them. Easier said than done though...however, I am not against the use of backyard tactics....in the name of the right result.
HH
Sent from the Hut
