“Juventus lose finals because we play in them ” – Giorgio Chiellini hits back at Insigne swipe

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Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has responded to a jibe from Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne that the Serie A champions are “used to” losing finals, arguing “we lose finals because we play them”. 

The 33-year-old centre-back made the comment after his side drew 0-0 with Roma to claim their seventh-consecutive Serie A title.

Juventus’ title defence looked to be in serious danger when the Bianconeri lost 1-0 to Napoli at home with just a handful of games to go and just one point separating the two sides. It was here he was asked by a reporter: “Juventus said they would play this match as if it were a Champions League final and they lost…”

Insigne replied, “they are used to it,” in reference to the fact that the Bianconeri have lost two Champions League finals in the last three years against Barcelona and Real Madrid.

But the Turin-based side ultimately navigated their considerably more difficult fixtures with more ease than the Partenopei.

“We lose those finals because we play them, the others decide to go out in the last-16,” the Italian said, according to Marca.

“These are choices. But the time comes when you have to apologise.”

Chiellini then said how the way his side’s opponents went about their title challenge motivated Juventus.

“In life, respect is needed and when it is lacking, consequences are paid,” he added.

“They spoke too soon and they paid for it. We were silent when we had to be and now we enjoy it deservedly.”

Juventus’ final game of the season is against already-relegated Verona at home, on May 19.