Chiellini says he will be match fit for Euros

COVERCIANO, Italy (AP) — Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini says he will recover from a thigh injury in time to play in the European Championship next month.

Chiellini was hurt in Juventus' last Serie A game of the season but was selected by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli for the Euro 2012 preliminary squad.

Chiellini, who has started running again, says on Wednesday, "I hope and believe I can do it. I'm calm and there's a lot of time to recover well."

Italy's first match at Euro 2012 is against Spain on June 10. It then faces Croatia and Ireland in Group C.

Chiellini was key to Juventus' defense last season. The club won the Serie A and set the league's best defensive record by conceding only 20 goals.