Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini says that Barcelona forward Lionel Messi would not have scored the goal he got against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday if he played in Italy.
The Argentine beat four men on the sideline just inside the Athletic half before skipping past another outside the box and smashing the ball into the bottom corner in Barca’s 3-1 win at the Camp Nou.
“It was a great goal by Messi, but I don’t think he could do that if he played in Italy,” Chiellini told reporters at the clubs media day.
“The defending is much better in Italy than Spain. Their attacking play might be a bit better but there defending is worse.
“But Messi is the best player in the past 30 years and we will have to keep a close eye on him in the final on Saturday.
The defender was asked how he and his teammates feel heading into the clubs biggest game since they lost to AC Milan in the 2003 Champions League final in Manchester.
“We got to the final on merit and with humility, doing things the right way. We feel good but we know will have to limit the quality of Barcelona, but we have a chance,” he added.
