Chiellini back on deck for Italy

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini says he is delighted to have proved his fitness for his country’s Euro 2012 semi-final with Germany on Thursday.

The Juventus centre-back picked up the knock in a group game against Republic of Ireland, and it was feared his tournament was over.

But Chiellini has been deemed match fit again as Italy prepare for their clash with Germany, and he said he was relieved to have overcome the niggle.

“When I picked up the injury, I was convinced that Euro 2012 was over for me. But I never gave up and fought back,” he told Tuttosport.

“It would be stupid on my part to risk re-injuring myself. So if I am here it is because I have totally recovered. I’m not saying that it’s a miracle, but I can’t even explain my quick recovery myself.”

The defender feels Italy have what it takes to make it to the final.

“In the semi-finals, all the teams are very strong but we’ll play our own game,” he said.

“We know that Germany are a good team with good players, but I’m sure we are a very good team and we’ll get to the final. From the first game we played very well and our people are with us now.”