THIS is the comical moment Giorgio Chiellini decided to “play volleyball” for new club Los Angeles FC.
The Italy and Juventus legend, 37, had a moment of madness in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Real Salt Lake as he desperately tried to stop an attack.
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Chiellini has only just joined LAFC on a free transfer after 18 years in Turin, with Wales star Gareth Bale a new teammate.
Regarded as a top-class centre-back, Chiellini’s impressive trophy haul proves he is a born winner.
And despite LAFC being 3-1 up in yesterday’s MLS clash, with just 20 minutes left, he showed once again why he has amassed a huge amount of gold medals.
Real Salt Lake look to hit their opponents on a counter-attack by launching the ball up the field.
But instead of making a challenge, Chiellni decided to do something completely different instead.
He jumped in the air with his 6ft 2in frame, with the crowd anticipating a powerful headed clearance.
However, Chiellini instead brought both arms up before using them to smash the ball away from an oncoming Real Salt Lake attacker.
Fans couldn’t believe what they had just seen as Chiellini attempted to plead his innocence.
But the ref was having none of it and gave the Italian a yellow card for his more-than-intentional handball.
Chiellini’s actions certainly got social media buzzing, with one fan tweeting: “He played volleyball there!”
Another asked: “How is that not a red?”
One joked: “Top quality foul this, absolutely essential.”
Another added: “That’s the worst handball since Maradona.”
