Legrottaglie Welcomes Mellberg Arrival

Legrottaglie Welcomes Mellberg Arrival

Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie looked back on the season and wouldn't mind the arrival of Olof Mellberg to strengthen the defence.

From the Far East, where Juventus are currently on a tour, defender Nicola Legrottaglie talked about his excellent season in central defence, where he formed a formidable partnership with Giorgio Chiellini.

"Last year I already felt we could form an invincible partnership, but we've played just one match," the 31-year-old said, "I felt he was the right player to play alongside me. Between central defenders you need to have a certain chemistry, to understand each other just with a glance. We complete each other: I set the rhythm, he is the rock. In other teams there are arrogant players who think they are the best..."

While Legrottaglie is in China and Australia, Chiellini is getting ready to participate in his first major tournament for Italy at Euro 2008. While Legrottaglie has a past with the Azzurri, he's never taken part to a tournament, but he hasn't lost hope of wearing the World Champions' shirt again in the future.

"Giorgio deserves it, I just hope he says some kind words about me too, I have not abandoned the hope of wearing the Azzurri's shirt again," he continued.

On the possible arrival of defender Olof Mellberg, Legrottaglie said: "The competition will increase after the Swede's arrival? We need central defenders, with both the league and the Champions League to play. The more come, the better."

Danilo Pochini