Bad news for Juventus is great news for the rest of Serie A.
The defending Italian champions sit seven points clear of Inter Milan in the table, but are now set to be without vice-captain and arguably the best centre-back in the game today for an extended period of time, as Giorgio Chiellini suffered a calf muscle tear and will be sidelined for three months.
Chiellini is the team's defensive leader, anchoring Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci in a three-man defensive line that has been highly successful for the Bianconeri—conceding only 10 times this season in 17 matches—a league best. Antonio Conte's strategy at the back hinges on Chiellini's presence, which is why Juve might be in trouble during his absence.
Another team that will benefit from Conte's dilemma is Neil Lennon's Celtic. The Hoops will host the first leg of their last 16 Champions League fixture and unless Chiellini is ahead of schedule, the defender will not make the trip to Glasgow, which gives Celtic a much needed advantage before having to fly to Turin for the second leg.
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