Chiellini aims for Zenit return

Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini has targetted next week’s Champions League clash against UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg for his injury comeback.

Chiellini, Italy’s one bright spark in their miserable Euro 2008 campaign in June, injured his knee in a friendly last month and was expected to face a month on the sidelines.

The 24-year-old now feels he is ready to start playing again and has not ruled out being included in Sunday’s visit of Udinese.

But it is the match against the Russians that Chiellini is targetting as Juve are in one of the toughest qualifying groups for Europe’s premier competition, also including Spanish champions Real Madrid.

“I hope to be on the field against Zenit. Who wouldn’t want to play in such a match?” he said.

“My knee is clearly much better. I’m fit and ready. The coach (Claudio Ranieri) will decide if he will use me on Sunday and if so, for how long.”