Italy not arrogant, says Juve star

Giorgio Chiellini of Italy attends a press conference at an Italy training session at Estadio Joao Havelange on June 12, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Getty Images)

Rio de Janeiro, June 13 (IANS): Defender Giorgio Chiellini has denied claims that Italy has been afflicted by arrogance as they prepare for their Confederations Cup debut against Mexico, Sunday.

Veteran Azzurri goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had accused his teammates of having an “ounce of superficiality and arrogance” during the match against Caribbean minnows Haiti, reports Xinhua.

Buffon made the suggestion following Italy’s shock 2-2 friendly draw with Haiti in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday.

“Buffon is our captain and leader. We respect everything he says but maybe he made those comments in the heat of the moment,” Buffon’s Juventus teammate Chiellini said on Wednesday.

“We know what we are capable of and we have complete confidence in our team. It’s our job now to make sure that we recover and are ready for Sunday’s match.”

Italy’s clash at the Maracana stadium Sunday will be followed by duels against Japan June 19 and hosts Brazil three days later. The top two teams from each group will play off for a place in the final June 30.