Q. Tell us about your interests, what do you like to do when you don’t play football?

A. I am a BIG videogame fan, PSP is my favorite console, it allows me to play literally anywhere. I also have my laptop with me where ever I go, so whenever I have got the time I log in to www.hattrick.org. It is a managerial strategic football game, once you have created your team you can challenge other users spread all over the world.

Q. Interesting, so you are telling us that Giorgio Chiellini is already testing his coaching/managerial skills?

A. No, no, absolutely not! The bench, never! (Laughter) I like this website because it is very different from classic videogames available on the market. Of course I also like Fifa or PES - I play those with my team mates, friends etc. But on Hattrick.org you are alone against the rest of the world.

Q. Are you a Facebook/MySpace or other enthusiast?

A. Not really, I cannot describe my self as such. I know I have a few fan clubs on Facebook. All social networks are interesting and it is nice to keep in touch with friends and family all over the world but they do require time. But I am addicted to my mobile phone, which is so much easier.

Q. We know that you are attending university, how is Giorgio the student?

A. I think I can say I am a self disciplined student. Discipline is what you get to learn in sport, and I think that has helped me a lot. I am half way through my economics studies at Turin University.

Q. Tell us more about your hobbies, do you like reading? Music? Movies?

A. Yes I do like reading, every morning I read all major national newspapers - also to check what they say about me! (Smiles) I also enjoy comics, and my favorite is Diabolik. The book on my night table at this very moment is the Da Vinci Code.

Music is very important in my life. I listen to music all the time to concentrate but also to relax. We travel a lot and music is a good companion. I like Italian music, my favourite artist is Luciano Ligabue, “Piccola stella senza cielo” gives me goose bumps.

I often go to the movies and my favorite film is “The Usual Suspects”.

Being born and raised in Tuscany I also like Roberto Benigni, who to me is the most outstanding Italian artist.

Q. Talking about fashion, how do you like to dress in your everyday life?

A. Cool but simple. Of course I prefer to dress casually: jeans, t- shirt and hoody, that is my signature outfit.

If I have to suit up though I do not mind. I like to shop for a good suit every now and again, but I am not a fanatic.

Q. What is your must have both in terms of apparel and accessories?

A. Jeans and sneakers. No doubt!

Q. Can you describe us your perfect day?

A. Livorno, a summer sunny Sunday’s Italian lunch, at home with my family and friends. Barbeque in the garden, with lots of meat and Chianti (my favorite wine) and of course my mother’s lemon spaghetti for everyone. And maybe a little match among friends afterwards.

Q. Other then football which sport gets your attention?

A. I like all sports: tennis (Federer), volleyball (Italian national team), but at the top is NBA basketball. I am a true Lakers fan.

Q. When you were a boy did you have an idol?

A. Yes, Paolo Maldini (AC Milan defender), for the champion he has proved to be both on and off the pitch.

Q. What can you tell us, about your relationship with PUMA? A. I am honored for having being chosen by this amazing brand to be part of the family.

I am among incredible champions from the past and the present: Maradona, Pele´, Eto’o, Anelka and my team mate Gigi Buffon. Puma represent research and quality to guarantee performance and on the other side it is stylish and cool.

Q. How important are the boots? Which characteristics are fundamental?

A. Soccer boots are our working tool. They have to be perfect! Protection is very important, so is comfort but at the same time breathability and fit are quintessential, as well as sensitivity to allow good ball control.

The best soccer boots have a super-soft premium grain leather upper, which guarantees comfort and perfect fit, exactly like my Puma King XL white-rio-red. I have been wearing them just for two months now but I can tell you I feel the difference.

Q. Any suggestion to the kids that want to play football? A. That is difficult, because there is so much that someone can say. But three things that really count: brain, legs and heart.

Training is quintessential: endurance, speed, progression, elevation, strength have to be practised on daily. On top of this, a central defender like me cannot neglect the tactical aspects: the offensive and defensive phases, schemes, tuning with the rest of the team, off sides.

If you want to be noticed play as you know, do not try to hard. And don’t be too selfish, because football is in the first place a team game.

Most important: in the majority of the cases you cannot chose your own role. The manager decides how to use you based on your characteristics and the needs of the team.

When I started to play I was used as a central midfielder. Then I grew up and I became a winger and in the end I turned out to be a central defender. Who knew!

Q. Any dreams?

A. One day to hold up the World Cup wearing the national shirt. I know it is a lot to ask, but I would also like to win the Champions League with Juventus.

Q. What would you have become if not a soccer player? A. Probably a medical doctor like my father.


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