Argentina make Giorgio Chiellini’s farewell almost anonymous

Giorgio Chiellini played his last 45 minutes under the azure blue jacket.

Eighteen years, a title of European champion and 117 appearances of which almost a third with the armband around the arm. Giorgio Chiellini wore it one last time on Wednesday evening before handing it over to his lifelong friend, Leonardo Bonucci.

No ovation, no applause, no lap of honor. The 37-year-old defender left the Nazionale jersey on tiptoe. Robert Mancini wanted to please him one last time by establishing him. But his performance was not up to the occasion, against the fast Argentinian attackers. And the Italian coach preferred to withdraw him at the break, thus depriving him of a final clamor from the Italian supporters present at Wembley.