Italy and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini admitted that his two World Cup experiences were the greatest disappointments of his Azzurri career.
The centre-back represented his nation at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups when Italy failed both times to get out of the group, although he is optimistic about the present and the future.
“I’ve experienced some special times with national team; I was very young when I made my debut against Finland in Messina but that’s a game that will stay with me forever,” said Chiellini at the press conference ahead of Italy’s Euro 2016 qualifying fixture against Norway.
“My greatest regrets were the two World Cups that I took part in.”
The 31-year-old also looked back on Italy’s overall efforts in qualifying for Euro 2016 in France.
“The journey has been very difficult and the games have all been close, but we have showed that we are a strong team,” added Chiellini.
“I had already three years alongside [Antonio] Conte that were marked by intensity and great success but the others have also been struck by his passion and enthusiasm.
“We are continuously improving as a group.”
