Giorgio Chiellini, famously bitten by Uruguay forward Luis Suarez during a 2014 World Cup match, comes across as a typically bruising centre back but off the field, the Italy defender is a quiet and dignified figure.

On the field, he is the key component in the so-called three-man BBC defence alongside Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci who play together both for Italy and Juventus.

The trio have now been together for five years at Juventus, winning five successive Serie A league titles.

“I go hunting for my opponents high up the field, and I put stock in physical one-on-ones and winning individual duels," Chiellini told the Guardian in an interview.

Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic tends to agree. "He doesn’t leave you any space. He doesn’t let you breathe,” he said.

Chiellini also gets forward and scores goals, including the first in the 2-0 win against Spain which took Italy into Saturday's quarter-final against Germany. 

- Euro 2016 Coverage