29 June 2018
Juventus Football Club is delighted to announce today the contract extensions of experienced defensive duo, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli.
Chiellini, who was recently named Bianconeri captain, has committed to the club for a further two years until 2020, while his longstanding rearguard partner, Barzagli, has renewed until 2019.
Two of Juve’s ‘Magnificent Five’ members to have won all seven Scudetto titles en route to becoming #MY7H, Chiellini and Barzagli have forged an extraordinary partnership across the Bianconeri backline over the years, making it one of the most formidable defences in European football.
With both Chiello and Barza together on the pitch, Juventus have conceded just 0.7 goals and gained an impressive 2.3 points per game. On both counts, the Bianconeri have performed better compared to when at least one of them has been absent (0.8 goals conceded and 2.2 points per game).
Ever since making his Juventus debut on the night of 14 October 2005 – as he was substituted onto the pitch in place of current vice-president, Pavel Nedved – Chiellini has become an absolute pillar of the Bianconeri backline.
The uncompromising defender has gone from strength to strength, picking up eight Scudetto titles (including seven in a row), four TIM Cups and three Italian Super Cups.
With 472 Juve appearances to his name, Chiellini is currently the club’s seventh-longest serving player of all time and he is certainly set to climb that leaderboard over the course of the next two years.
The just-finished 2017/18 campaign was another memorable one for ‘King Kong’ as he made 38 appearances across all competitions leading a Juventus backline that allowed just 24 goals in Serie A. Meanwhile, his sterling performances in Europe earned him a place in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season.
The club couldn't be in better hands as the new captain and one of the 'Magnificent Five' #MY7H winners looks to further etch his name into the Bianconeri record books.
In his seven-and-a-half years as a Bianconero, Barzagli has shown class, consistency, tenacity and a never-say-die attitude to earn him the nickname ‘La Roccia’ (‘The Rock’).
As another member of the ‘Magnificent Five’, Barzagli has claimed seven Scudetto titles, four TIM Cups and three Italian Super Cups, and amassed 271 appearances in black and white.
A World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, Barza’s experience has made him an invaluable member on the pitch and in the locker room for Juventus and his continued presence and influence next season will only boost the Bianconeri cause to keep the winning cycle in motion.
Juventus could not be happier to maintain the services of two men, who for so long have embodied the club’s #FinoAllaFine mindset.
Here is hoping for further success for both players and the club starting next season.
