As far as pure defensive talent is concerned, there have been few finer centre-halves than Giorgio Chiellini.
The granite-carved, battle-scarred posterboy of Juventus’ near-decade of domination over in Italy. When Giorgio Chiellini said his tear-stained goodbyes to the Turin giants, he departed with no fewer than nine Serie A winners’ medals around his neck.
There were ten domestic cups too, as well as a European Championship title with Italy. Not only one of the most reliable, often imperious centre-halves of the modern era, Chiellini was also among the most decorated.
So, for the man often tipped to emulate his success at the Allianz Stadium, Chiellini’s glowing praise must feel like he’s been blessed by God himself.
Federico Gatti – who HITC understands is a target for Newcastle United – has developed impressively as a Juventus player since his rather surprising arrival from second-tier Frosinone back in 2022.
Like Chiellini, Gatti is a physical specimen at 6ft 4ins. He also has quite the penchant for big goals at big moments too, scoring winners against both Napoli and Fiorentina during the 2023/24 Serie A campaign as Juventus sealed their return to the Champions League.
Newcastle United keen on Juventus defender Federico Gatti
Now, Chiellini is keen to play down the so-called similarities between himself and Juve’s number four.
Gatti, the legend says, possesses the sort of technical ability and the passing range that only he could dream of. A more fitting comparison, then, may be with Chiellini’s old sparring partner Leonardo Bonucci; the more expansive of the iconic Juventus duo.
“‘I didn’t like hearing that there’s a new Chiellini,” the 117-time former Italy international tells Sky Italia.
“Now, they say that Gatti could be that because he plays for Juve and has this great energy that he brings to the pitch. But, in my opinion, everyone is unique. It’s not fair to compare him to others.
“Gatti is technically much better than me. At his age I didn’t know how to do what he can do. And then he has that energy and humility that can allow him to improve over time.”
HITC understands that Gatti, who was part of Italy’s squad for Euro 2024, may be allowed to leave Juventus for the right price. Despite his obvious talents, he has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth behind Gleison Bremer.
Gazzetta dello Sport report that a fee of around £25 million may be required.
Eddie Howe may need a new Fabian Schar
Still only 26, the right-footed Gatti may be the ideal successor for Fabian Schar if Newcastle are to get their man.
Schar is not getting any younger – he turns 33 in December – but there are few centre-halves on the market who can rival the Swiss veteran’s outstanding passing range from deep. A defender in Eddie Howe’s team must be not only the last line of defence but the first line of attack, and Gatti could fill that role neatly.
Newcastle have already brought in one centre-half this summer. The left-sided Lloyd Kelly reunites with his former Bournemouth boss Howe, brought in on a free transfer after Sven Botman was ruled out potentially until the New Year with a ruptured ACL.
Newacstle were also keen on Tosin Adarabioyo before he left Fulham for Chelsea. HITC, meanwhile, understands that the Magpies have scouted Boca Juniors’ Nicolas Valentini too.
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