Chiellini defends Comolli and talks foundation building at Juventus | OneFootball

Former Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has defended Bianconeri general manager Damien Comolli, describing him as “data-focused because he believes in numbers, but that does not mean he is just a stats guy with no human side” amid criticism Comolli has faced for some of his decisions this summer.

Comolli, in the current absence of a sporting director at Juventus, has been given command of the Bianconeri’s business in the transfer market this summer. The Old Lady will work on a permanent sporting director after the summer has finished.

Italian former player Giorgio Chiellini brings the trophy ahead the UEFA Euro 2024 final football match between Spain and England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 14, 2024. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Chiellini, who is now the director of international relations at the club, told Tuttosport that “We are trying to build a foundation because without a strong base, you cannot get back to winning. The idea is to create solidity, so this group can grow and take on the burden and the honour of starting a new winning cycle.”

Chiellini: ‘Tudor has brought a great work ethic’ at Juventus’

Chiellini was also complimentary of head coach Igor Tudor, who signed an extension with the Bianconeri this summer despite speculation the club were looking at alternatives.

Chiellini said that “Igor has brought in a great work ethic. There is a real desire to do well. It’s a positive environment. Of course, to go from that to winning takes many steps and there are many obstacles but we are starting with solid values.”

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 18: Igor Tudor, Head Coach of Juventus FC, looks on prior to during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Al Ain FC and Juventus FC at Audi Field on June 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Finally, the former centre-back commented on the state of Italian football on the whole and was concerned that clubs in Italy are quickly being left behind by other big clubs in Europe. “Our international value is dropping more and more. The risk is that we become non-competitive at the top level, which in turn drags all of Italian football down. And if I told you I had a plan, I’d be presumptuous and lying. But we are trying to fight it.”

As director of international relations in Turin, this is exactly the former Juventus captain’s job – his role is focused on boosting the Bianconeri’s profile internationally.