Chiellini: Poor start cost us

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has blamed dropping so many points early in the season for their poor showing this campaign.

The former Serie A champions have been unbeaten in their last seven matches and remain in contention for a place in next season’s Champions League.

But their current position in seventh does not even earn a Europa League spot, which means they must continue their winning ways when they face Chieva Verona on Monday.

“Yes, we certainly hope that happens. Our last win is making us regret the fact we lost some important points, but our aim is finishing the season with three more victories and then we’ll see what happens,” the 26-year-old said.

“Unfortunately we need some good luck too and hope for some mistakes by the other teams.”

Chiellini was speaking at a function for cancer prevention and said other things were more important than football.

“Yes, definitely something more important: cancer prevention,” he said.

“In particular we are talking about 15, 16-year-old teenagers who are going through a very delicate age, an age you think you are indestructible, while it’s a good thing to begin thinking of your future at that age, avoiding things that can be dangerous for your own health.”