Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is simply "too fast" for him when asked about their clash in the Euro 2020 final last year. The 38-year-old ended up triumphing with his nation in the tournament, but his cynical challenge on the youngster may have played a huge part in it.
The two countries face off again in their second meeting since that game, playing in the UEFA Nations League as Gareth Southgate's side look to bounce back into some form before the World Cup in November. He does so with a jubilant Saka in his ranks, having just won the England Men's Player of the Year award for 2021/22.
Upon picking up his award, he said: "I’m so happy, I can’t put it into words how happy I am. To play for England is special. To get picked to play for your country is another level of honour and proudness in yourself.
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“You’re just happy every time you get to come here and put on the shirt and play at Wembley in front of all the fans, it’s a beautiful feeling.”
The achievement crowns a year of resilience for the forward, who impressed during the Euros, but missed the deciding penalty that saw the Three Lions finish second. He, along with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, faced racist abuse following the match, but the nation showed their backing for all three after.
Saka returned to Arsenal, where he played a key role throughout a resurgent season under Mikel Arteta and has been a mainstay in the side. On Friday, he and the national team face Italy once again, with hopes of a different outcome this time around.
One of the key moments from his performance last year came when he was pulled back in a cynical challenge from Chiellini, having beaten him to go through on goal. It proved to be a decisive move from the experienced defender, who has since discussed the decision.
"I never thought this could be the memory of the summer," Chiellini told the TImes. "For me, ok, I did a mistake and a foul in the smartest and best way possible because I think I can protect the ball and let it go out.
"But he [Saka] passed me under my arm and the first thing I see is to try and grab him. Saka is too fast for me. If I started one or two moments before, I can run with him but if he goes it is impossible. This is a good choice for me after a mistake."
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