Chiellini: 'Inter and Napoli can't hide'

By Football Italia staff

Giorgio Chiellini confessed Juventus are “a work in progress” under Maurizio Sarri, but Inter and Napoli “can’t pretend they’re not expected to win.”

The Bianconeri are beginning pre-season with their new Coach after five years of Max Allegri.

“Every Coach has his characteristics. Allegri was different to Antonio Conte, just as Sarri is different to Allegri,” Chiellini told Tuttomercatoweb.

“We are trying to understand his requests as quickly as possible. We’re still a work in progress, as for some reason Serie A is the only league that starts at the end of August. From next week we’ll start stepping up a gear both physically and mentally.”

Juve have won the last eight consecutive Serie A titles, but this time they have a new boss in Sarri, while Inter brought in Conte.

“I think last season Inter had the kind of squad that could win the Scudetto and they’ve further reinforced this summer. I think there is a bit of a gap between us, Inter and Napoli, but at the end of the day it’ll always be tough to win.

“There will be pressure on us, but also on Inter, because a club that spent that much money on the transfer market cannot hide away and pretend they’re not expected to win. The same goes for Napoli, we are three teams starting with the objective of victory.”

Juve’s biggest investment was Matthijs de Ligt, snapped up from Ajax for around €80m.

“He was the most sought-after young defender in Europe and Juventus did very well to get him,” continued Chiellini.

“He can certainly grow and improve over the years. We signed important players who improve the potential value of the squad, but in the end, it all comes down to the daily work and sacrifice we’re willing to put in.

“Now finally we can get started, because we’re fed up of friendlies and training sessions.”

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