Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini was pleased with Italy's World Cup qualification after their draw in Ireland.

"I think we played one of our best away games of the season, but the important thing was to ensure qualification.

"It would've been a terrible blow to lose a game we practically dominated," said Chiellini.

"I think we held out well in the physical battle and had players of a quality above like [Andrea] Pirlo who can always make the difference."