Chiellini ready for Spain opener

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has vowed to be fit in time for Italy’s Euro 2012 opener against Spain on June 10.

The centre-back picked up a thigh injury in Juve’s Serie A win over Atalanta earlier this month, and there were doubts about whether Chiellini would make a full recovery ahead of the tournament in June.

However, the 27-year-old has insisted that he will be cleared to play in Italy’s Group C opener against the defending European champions.

“Is there a risk that I will miss out on the Euros? Let’s not joke around. I will be ready in time,” Chiellini told Corriere dello Sport.

“If I don’t feature in the pre-tournament friendlies, that’s just a precautionary measure. I want to be ready to take on Spain, and I’ll make sure that I will be ready.”

Italy will also have to contend with Croatia and Republic of Ireland in Group C.