Reigning Italian football champions Juventus have extended the contracts of veteran defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli until 2020 and 2019 respectively. "Chiellini, who was recently named Juventus captain, has committed to the club for a further two years until 2020, while his longstanding rearguard partner, Barzagli, has renewed until 2019," the Turin powerhouse said in a statement on Friday.

"Juventus could not be happier to maintain the services of two men, who for so long have embodied the club's #FinoAllaFine mindset." The presence of these two, who are among the five Juventus players to have won the last seven consecutive Serie A titles, will ensure that the club will not feel the leadership vaccum since Saturday marks the end of contracts of outgoing captain Gianluigi Buffon and Swiss right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner. The other member of Juventus' famous five, vice-captain and Claudio Marchisio is also expected to stay at the club where he has spent his entire football life.