Italy winger Federico Chiesa discussed the ambitions of the new Italian team and his personal goals, saying he wants to return to his very best. The Juventus forward recently missed a significant period of the season through injury, and has gradually worked his way back to full fitness.
Speaking with UEFA.com, Chiesa talked about his goals for the upcoming EURO 2024 competition, and his hopes for the national team:
When Federico Chiesa recalls his stunning goal in the semifinal against Spain at UEFA EURO 2020, his eyes light up. Chiesa is candid about his ambitions both for the team and personally. “My goal is always to return among the top,” he told UEFA.com. “I am 26 years old, there is time, and I want to show what I’m made of in this European Championship.”
That Goal in the UEFA EURO 2020 Semifinal Against Spain…
“The emotions from that goal are wonderful because it was a fiercely contested semifinal. We suffered, but in the end, we made it to the final. It was a beautiful goal. However, now we have to start a new tournament with new challenges and a tough group. We need to focus on that. But yes, thinking back to what we accomplished in the last European Championship is very pleasing.”
From Chiellini-Bonucci to the New Generation…
“Giorgio and Leo were absolute champions, but I see that our team has future champions. They have the qualities. We are a good group, a strong national team, and we will try to play the football the coach wants and go as far as possible.”
Similar Game Philosophy
“The Italian mentality has changed with the development of modern football. Now, even Spalletti is following this path: keeping possession, creating chances, and at the same time minimizing risks at the back. Personally, I played more centrally at the club, while Spalletti gives me the freedom to either cut inside or play wide on the wing.”
The Comparison with Sinner
“After EURO 2020, I wanted to join the football elite, but unfortunately, I tore my ACL and had a long rehabilitation journey. My goal remains to return among the top. I am 26 years old, and there is time. I want to demonstrate my capabilities in this European Championship. The comparison with Sinner was flattering, but he plays an individual sport. Being number one there is incredible. Tennis is a sport I greatly admire, as are the athletes who play it. Sinner seems like a good guy with a clear focus on being the best, and he achieved it.”
The Rise of Scamacca and Italy’s Group Stage…
“I get along well with him. We often talk off the pitch. What makes me smile is that at the start of the last European Championship, there were doubts about our national team—what we could do, where we could go. Those doubts still exist, but we will go out and play football to show our true value. The group stage is really tough. After Albania, we face Spain and Croatia, and we know what it means to play against them. Croatia has achieved great results, especially in the World Cup, and has great players. Albania knows us well and understands Italian football, making it a really tough challenge. We will need to be very focused.”
Do You Still Keep in Touch with Morata?
“Unfortunately, we don’t stay in touch anymore, but when we played together at Juventus, we got along well. He is a great person and a top player.”
Italy’s Goals
“We want to demonstrate our worth in this European Championship. We aimed to do that in the previous one and won. Let’s see what we can achieve now. Our goal is also to return to the World Cup because Italy has missed the last two. This is something that, for the fans and for Italian football, is unacceptable.”
