‘I see parallels with Pavel Nedved’ — Federico Chiesa backed by Juve legend to win the Ballon d’Or in three years
Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi believes current star and Euro 2020 winner Federico Chiesa can win the Ballon d’Or in less than five years.
Chiesa, 23, played a prominent role for The Old Lady last term, scoring eight goals and registering eight assists in Serie A, while also bagging the winning goal in the 2021 Coppa Italia final against Atalanta, before taking that form into the Euros.
18+, UK only. Deposit and place a minimum £10 cash bet at single or accumulated odds of 1/1 or greater and we will give you 1 x £5 in free bets plus an extra 3 x £5 Free Bets the following day. Applies to first cash bet only. Free bets credited as 4 x £5 bets to use on 3x Any sport & 1x Virtuals. Cashed Out, Void or Draw No Bet wagers do not qualify for this promotion. 1 x £5 Free Bets are credited upon qualifying first bet settlement, other free bets credited by midday the day after your first bet settles. 7-day free bet expiry. Available once per customer. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. Full T&C’s apply.
18+ only. Use code BET30. New Players Only. Minimum stake $/€/£ 10, minimum odds1.5, stake not returned.1X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Max conversion: $/€/£ 200. Excluded Skrill deposits. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Full Terms Apply
18+ only. £10 min. deposit required. 1 x £10 qualifying bet required. Qualifying bet must be placed on selection with min. odds of 1.8 (4/5). 4 x £5 Free Bets will be credited once the qualifying bet has been settled. 1 x Free Bet valid for any Football Match Result market. 1 x Free Bet valid on any Football Correct Score market. 1 x Free Bet valid on any Horse Racing market. 1 x Free Bet valid on any Tennis market. Free Bets valid for 7 days once credited. T&Cs apply.
Federico, whose father Enrico won 22 caps for Italy during his playing days, flourished under Roberto Mancini this summer, playing a star role in the Euro 2020 final against England, where he proved a real menace on the flanks to terrorise Gareth Southgate’s defence.
The Italians ultimately triumphed on penalties against England at Wembley to win their second European Championship, and Chiesa’s name will be forever etched in Gli Azzurri folklore, but Tacchinardi believes this is only just the start for the Juve winger.
He told Tuttosport: “The years in which we have to repeat ourselves, or continue to grow, are the hardest.
“For Chiesa, it will be extremely difficult to meet the expectations. I have heard talk about him winning the Ballon d’Or in three or four years: I agree.
“I see the same poison that Pavel Nedved had. He has enormous qualities; he dribbles left and right and can shoot with very little space.
“Last year he touched the border of the top players. I believe he will get there this year and [Massimiliano] Allegri, who has always been a champion, can help him.”
Buffon: When Chiesa first arrived, I didn’t think he was that good
Another Juventus legend recently gave his thoughts on Chiesa, with Gianluigi Buffon revealing he didn’t understand the hype when he first arrived in Turin, before admitting he was wrong with his appraisal and now claiming his compatriot is a “special” talent.
Buffon said last month: “When he arrived at Juve I didn’t think he was so good. I am honest.
“In the European Championship he was unbelievable, in the final match with England, it was impossible to stop him.
“After a season at Juve with Federico it is no longer a surprise for me, but it was not obvious that he would be able to play at such a high level in a tournament like the European Championship.
“If you do those things at such a high level, then it means that you are really special.”
CLICK HERE to claim 888Sport’s new customer offer • 18+ only • A min deposit of £/€20 with promo code is required • You must bet a min of £/€20 at odds of 1/2 (1.50) or greater on a sports market that will be settled before the kick-off time of the first Premier League 2021/2022 match • Free Bets will be credited at the start of the first match of each gameweek and will be valid for 7 days • Deposit balance is available for withdrawal at any time • General withdrawal restrictions & full T&Cs appl • GambleAware
