Chiellini the hunter with a masters degree who took Morata's mum by surprise

This is a man who embodies the never-say-die spirit of an Italian team who are unbeaten in 33 outings under Roberto Mancini's tutelage.

Make no mistake about it: England will have to go to war on Sunday evening at Wembley and Chiellini - who has broken his nose five times during battle - will be relishing every moment of it.

Spain striker Alvaro Morata once described facing Chiellini in training as like 'being put in a cage with a gorilla and you have to steal his food'.

So what about winning a one-on-duel with him in the box? 'Impossible', according to his Juventus teammate.

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Nerves are completely understandable before a penalty kick shootout at the semi-final of a major Championship right? Not in Chiellini's world.

In fact he was as happy as larry - quite literally - before Italy's penalty shootout with Spain on Tuesday night. I kid you not.

The veteran central defender was laughing and joking with Jordi Alba counterpart at the coin toss.

If that wasn't cheeky enough, he even playfully punched his opponent in the face while they were working out which end the penalties would be taken from.

Watching on it felt like Italy had already won the shootout before it had even begun. And it was no surprise to see them reign triumphant.

The 36-year-old isn't just a warrior on the field. He is far from a one-trick pony.

Chiellini has a Masters Degree in Business Administration and in 2014 co‑authored a book on the Juventus great Gaetano Scirea.

And off-the-pitch he's a big softie - just ask Morata's mother.

Asked whether his actual personality is in fact the polar opposite to his on-field persona, he told the Guardian in 2016: "It's true.

"I met Morata's mum the other day, we had a train journey together, and she said the same thing: 'When I saw you playing I never thought that you would turn out to be so calm and such a sweetie!'

"That has always been my character - on the pitch I have a strong temperament, but off the pitch I'm more serene, reflective. I manage to separate out those two things."

Chiellini's winning mentality shines throughout this Italy team. He is an inspiration to his teammates and an entire nation.

"I remember when we played Juventus, I said afterwards that Chiellini and [Leonardo] Bonucci should teach kids at a sports university about what it is to be a central defender," Jose Mourinho recalled to talkSPORT about his time as Man United manager.

"You don't see many now. In the past, when I arrived in England there was John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell were incredible centre-backs, but there are not as many in world football now."

Chiellini is undoubtedly one of the finest centre-backs to ever grace the beautiful game and as Chiellini approaches the latter stages of his wonderful career he will look back on his time in football very fondly indeed.

But there is something missing from the nine-time Serie A winner's trophy haul: international recognition.

He knows what it's like to lose a European Championship final after all - he will not want to experience that pain again.

Chiellini and co. were on the end of a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Spain back in 2012.

A repeat of that drubbing is simply unthinkable. Chiellini will demand a Italy victory.

"Bonucci and Chiellini are absolutely amazing, with their know-how," Mourinho added.

"But they are not young anymore and I think they prefer a comfortable situation of having a target man [to mark] than to have people trying to play in the pockets between the lines and attacking space like Sterling."

Speaking ahead of this summer's tournament Chiellini openly discussed about 'wanting to make things right' after a difficult period for the Italy national team.

And you can bet your bottom dollar Chiellini, a 'force of nature' according to ex-Livorno boss Walter Mazzarri, will leave no stone unturned in his bid to bring that elusive trophy home.

Italy's 'greatest quality, in the end, has always been the group - the collective', Chiellini insists. England have one hell of a fight on their hands.

From World Cup absentees two years ago to Euro 2020 winners? Write off Chiellini and Italy at your peril.

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