Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has said that the club have shown a lot of resilience and strength to level on points with AC Milan during the Christmas break.

Juventus have been underperforming in the last few years, but it was mostly due to the rebuilding that was going on after the relegation to the second division. Now, Juventus are challenging for the title along with AC Milan, while Inter Milan are further behind.

Even though Lazio and Udinese an extremely close to capturing the lead that AC Milan and Juventus have built in the Italian Serie A table, many regard AC Milan and Juventus to be the contenders for the title this season.

One of the most impressive players for Juventus this season has been Giorgio Chiellini, who has been linked with a move to English clubs in the past. Now, the Italian international has said that one of the main reasons for Juventus coming back into the title race is the resilience and strength they have displayed in the last few seasons.

Juventus had to battle out a draw with Udinese, but it was more than enough for them to stay in touch with AC Milan. The draw with Udinese sees AC Milan relegated to the second position just ahead of the Christmas break.

"We came here to win and we tried to do so. We didn't manage it, as we often lacked the final touch, but we’re still satisfied. It’s been another display of strength, I believe that few teams will come here [at Udinese] and play a game like this. It gives us pleasure to end 2011 at the top of the table," Chiellini was quoted as saying on Juventus' official website. AC Milan and Juventus currently have 34 points from the 16 matches they have played so far.