Chiellini doubtful for Champions League bout with Barcelona

Giorgio Chiellini’s right calf complaint that sees him left out of Italy’s vital World Cup qualifier against Spain on Saturday could also lead him to miss key club clashes.

Following his return to Juventus for further examination, the club announced the defender is doubtful for next Saturday’s visit from Chievo Verona, as well as the Champions League curtain-raiser in Barcelona three days later.

Those not called up for international duty underwent an intense session Saturday overseen by Massimiliano Allegri. Chiellini had started the campaign alongside Daniele Rugani in Juve’s back two, and will likely be replaced by either Andrea Barzagli or new arrival Benedikt Howedes.

On the international stage, Giampiero Ventura may be tempted to call Rugani into the starting lineup and return to the old favoured back-three, although this could be detrimental to the freedom of the Azzurri’s talented wide players higher up the park. In recent outings, Ventura has preferred a 4-2-4 formation, which got the best out of Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne.