Chiellini sets date for international retirement - Only four Italians have won more caps

Giorgio Chiellini has announced that he will make his last appearance for the Italy national team on June 1, when the European champions take on Argentina at Wembley Stadium in the first edition of the “Finalissima”. 

In the clash constructed to face the champions of the Euros and Copa America against one another, the towering central defender has confirmed that he will pull on the colours of the Azzurri for the last time, after making his debut for his nation almost 18 years ago. 

"I will say goodbye to the national team at Wembley Stadium, where I experienced the highlight of my career by winning the European Championship," said the Juventus defender in an interview with "DAZN". Last summer Chiellini captained his side to the European title, after beating England in London on penalties. 

Just a few months after being crowned European champions, Italy were unexpectedly knocked out of World Cup qualifying in a 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia, which now means Chiellini & Co. will not be at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

Following the match, the 37-year-old defender stressed that the result was “not the right time” for him to consider retirement from international football, but the player has now clearly changed his mind on the matter. 

Chiellini played his first international match in November 2004 under Marcello Lippi as a left-back. To date, 115 more caps for his nation have followed. At the moment, the Juventus defender is tied in fifth place, but will equal Daniele De Rossi in fourth place upon making his 117th appearance in June.

Juventus: Chiellini's future remains open – decision after Coppa Italia

While Chiellini's future with the national team is now certain, the situation at club level remains unclear. The defender's contract with Juventus is about to expire at the end o the season, and there has recently been speculation about a move to Major League Soccer. 

"My love for Juventus does not end, it will never end," said Chiellini. Before admitting that he wants to "weigh everything up at the end of the season" and make a decision after the Coppa Italia final on May 11 against Inter Milan.