Chiellini: 'Juve threw it away'

Wednesday January 29 2014

Giorgio Chiellini feels Galatasaray-Juventus should’ve been a draw, but concedes “we threw qualification away.”

The Bianconeri needed a point in Istanbul to stay in the Champions League, but lost 1-0 in a game that was played out over two days due to snow and hail.

“We were unable to achieve the objective of the last 16 and it’s a shame, because today we couldn’t play football on a terrible pitch,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

“This game had 0-0 written all over it and there is a bitter taste in the mouth looking at our journey, because we could’ve reached this game with qualification already assured.

“The two biggest errors were away to Copenhagen and at home with Galatasaray, where we threw qualification away.

“Yesterday when we were actually in a condition to play football, we allowed nothing to the Turkish side, whereas today we could only hang on until the 85th minute. With a different pitch, it probably would’ve finished with another result.”

Juve were eliminated from the Champions League after just one victory in six group games, earned at home to bottom club Copenhagen.

“The regret remains that we compromised qualification with the opening two matches of the group,” continued Chiellini.

“Now the Europa League must give us the push to continue our growth process. After all, last season Chelsea were eliminated from the Champions League and went on to lift that trophy.

“It is too early to talk about the fact the Final will be in Turin, because there is such a long way to go including the Serie A and Coppa Italia fixtures.

“It will be important to reach the European games with the right mentality and concentration.”

Fernando Llorente also commented on their exit via Twitter.

“It’s a tough blow, we are very sad. However, we must give our all in the competitions that remain. Forza Juve!”

Source: Football-Italia

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