Giorgio Chiellini: Juventus satisfied with a point against under-strength Roma

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini claimed that Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Roma was very much of a case of one point gained rather than two points dropped.

The Bianconeri fell behind to a first half goal from Daniele De Rossi but drew level when Chiellini headed home on 61 minutes.

Roma had an immediate chance to retake the lead but captain Francesco Totti missed from the penalty spot, and Chiellini admitted afterwards that Juve were happy with a draw – even though they had been playing against a side decimated by suspensions and injuries.

"Given how it was [for us] at the start [of the game], we can talk about an important point," the Italian international told Sky Sport Italia. “It shows that despite falling behind we have the strength to recover."

Chiellini added that he felt his side was vulnerable on the counter, but pointed out that returning to the top of the table alongside Udinese was a positive for the team.

"Today we suffered too many counterattacks but, overall, it was a positive game for us because we have reached the top of the table again," he said. "Roma had great players in spite of their absentees this evening and, if we look at the names, they had only one youth team player [Federico Viviani] on the field. Of course, we came to win and we tried [to do that] right up until the 96th minute, but to call this a slip-up would seem excessive to me."

The point edges Juventus ahead of Udinese at the top of the table on goal difference, while Roma climbs to ninth.