Chiellini pleased with Juve's Champions League progression
Juventus have achieved its first objective of qualifying for the knockout round of the Champions League, according to Giorgio Chiellini.
Published : Nov 28, 2018 10:22 IST
Giorgio Chiellini urged Juventus to turn its attention to the Serie A title race after it booked its spot in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Cristiano Ronaldo set up Mario Mandzukic's winner in a 1-0 victory over Valencia in Turin that ensured Juve will finish Group H in the top two.
In a season where Juventus is expected to challenge for multiple honours, Chiellini was delighted to see Massimiliano Allegri's men achieve their first objective of 2018-19.
"The first goal of the season has been reached," he said in quotes published on Juventus' website.
"We knew that it would be a difficult game because Valencia are a dangerous team in the spaces.
"In the first half we could do better, we got too enthusiastic, then we did well in the second [half] - the result is certainly deserved."
Manchester United's dramatic late winner against Young Boys means Juventus has not yet secured top spot in the group, though it holds a two-point advantage ahead of its trip to Switzerland on matchday six.
And Chiellini wants the Bianconeri to focus on domestic matters, with the reigning Serie A champions facing Fiorentina, Inter, Torino, Roma, Atalanta and Sampdoria before the end of the year.
It is a tricky run for Allegri's men, who have an eight-point cushion at the top after 13 games.
"Now we turn the page and start thinking about the Champions [League] in February," Chiellini added.
"We have to concentrate on the championship because we have a good month ahead of us."