"No Champions League helps Juve"

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini believes that the lack of UEFA Champions League football is proving helpful for his side in Serie A.

The Italian, who is likely to take to the pitch against Poland for his country on Friday night, was pleased with his side's fourth place in Serie A, especially in light of their game in hand.

Chiellini, speaking to Tuttosport, extolled on the virtues on not playing in Europe this season for his side, saying: "Not playing in Europe can be an advantage for Juventus for the Scudetto, but next year we want to be there".

"However, it is still early to say that we are favourites for the title.

"I think Milan are up there and Napoli also have a great project."

He also gave an insight towards how Italy would miss Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi, who are both out from heart surgery and a cruciate ligament injury respectively.

"It's a shame for Cassano and Rossi, but we are waiting for them. However, we have been doing well for a year and we have many great players," concluded the defender.