Giorgio Chiellini blasts West Ham United for treatment of Gianluca Scamacca
Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini has blasted West Ham for their treatment of Gianluca Scamacca in the summer, but admitted they’re as good as the best teams in Serie A.
Scamacca joined the club in the summer of 2022 in a £35m deal from Sassuolo but failed to make an impact in England and returned to Serie A after just one season with Atalanta last summer.
But Chiellini, speaking to The Athletic (7 December), said he just needed time to come good and said West Ham “don’t give time to players” but admitted they’re on the same level as the best teams in Italy’s top flight.
“They don’t give time to players, especially young players. Gianluca has played just one year in Sassuolo, and to find consistency is tough. He’s a very good player, and he deserves a little bit more time and confidence from the team, but I understand you cannot wait for players because you need to win.
“It would have been the same if Scamacca went to Juventus or Inter or Milan, he needed time. Probably in Italy, it’s easier because he knows the league, but West Ham are on the same level as the best team in Serie A.”
Understanding
West Ham made the signing of Scamacca because they fully believed in his abilities, and he was given the chance to shine early on in the season.
Unfortunately for him and for us, injuries took their toll on him and he couldn’t cope with the physical demands needed to thrive in the Premier League or under David Moyes.
He was clearly unhappy by the time the end of the season rolled around and it just made sense for everyone to move him on, and Chiellini obviously understands that because he admits it would’ve been the same at other clubs too.
It’s nice of him to praise the club too, because West Ham work hard and have a super talented squad that could compete with any team on their day so it’s nice to be recognised.
He’s a world class defender and one of the best in Italian league history so it means a lot, but the Scamacca sale made sense and was the right decision for everyone.
In other West Ham news, Fabrizio Romano shares what he’s been told about the future of Mohammed Kudus.