Chiellini hopes Supercoppa loss is a springboard

Giorgio Chiellini is hopeful that Juventus’ loss to AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana will prove a “springboard” for success.

The Serie A champions were beaten on penalties in Doha, but Massimiliano Allegri’s men sit top of Serie A and face Porto in the last 16 of the Champions League after winning their group.

And defender Chiellini wants Juve to draw strength from the fact they suffered a Supercoppa defeat to Napoli in a shootout two years ago before going to the brink of European glory.

“In 2014 when we lost the Supercoppa we got to the final of the Champions League. I hope it’s a springboard into the next six months,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport of the Milan defeat.

“We are aware that it is not ideal, but we can achieve great results by winning the league, the Champions League and the Italian Cup.

“But to do this we must continue our daily work … and showing the iron will that has brought us this far.

“The margins of improvement are there, but the key ingredient must be a commitment and the desire to improve.

“What happened will serve as a lesson, because in the coming months, as happened two years ago, we have to enjoy a great ride.”