Chiellini: It would be stupid on my part to risk re-injuring myself

Jun 28, 2012 12:15:00 PM

The Juventus defender has miraculously recovered from a hamstring injury and is ready to face Germany on Thursday, with the Azzurri aiming for a place in the final

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has spoken of his delight at making a speedy recovery from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the Azzurri's Euro 2012 quarter-final victory over England, and has insisted that he's fully match fit again.

The Juventus centre-back picked up the knock in the group game against Republic of Ireland, and it was feared that his tournament was over.

However, Chiellini has been deemed match fit again as Italy prepare for their semi-final against Germany, and he was sure to make his relief known.

He told Tuttosport: "When I picked up the injury, I was convinced that Euro 2012 was over for me. But I never gave up and fought back.

"It would be stupid on my part to risk re-injuring myself. So if I am here it is because I have totally recovered. I'm not saying that it's a miracle, but I can't even explain my quick recovery myself."

	ITALIAN SURPRISE
10/1	Italy are 10/1 with Paddy Power to beat Germany 1-0 tonight

The defender then looked ahead to Thursday's encounter, and feels Italy have what it takes to make it to the final.

"In the semi-finals, all the teams are very strong but we’ll play our own game," he added.

"We know that Germany are a good team with good players, but I’m sure we are a very good team and we’ll get to the final. From the first game we played very well and our people are with us now."

Thursday's last-four clash between the two European heavyweights kicks off at 20:45CET.

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