Chievo Club Focus: Donkeys prepared for relegation battle

Date: 8th February 2014 at 7:05pm
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Chievo are without a win in seven matches and are in the insecure position of being just one point above the bottom three. An impressive performance against Inter and Napoli stalling both Italian giants, but lacked concentration when playing Torino, Parma and Lazio, losing points which could of secured safety.

Despite the club being active in the transfers window, coach Eugenio Corini now has to quickly integrate the new signings with the team. The Flying Donkeys had to improve the amount of goals that were being conceded.

Christian Puggioni who made 22 appearances conceded 29 goals in Serie A, and will now have strong competition from Michael Agazzi who arrived at the club from Cagliari, offering Corini options and stability. However the move won’t be permeant as the 29-year-old is wanted by AC Milan who are likely to pouch the keeper in the Summer.

The Verona outfit also secured the signings of Matteo Rubin and Michele Canini who will reinforce the defence which is vital for the remainder of the season. The Flying Donkeys conceded heavily at the start of the season under former coach Giuseppe Sannino, who insisted that Gialloblu’s target was to avoid relegation, but continued to play with three at the back with a midfield that couldn’t cope under pressure.

The re-signing of Victor Obinna after five years absence from the club will please the fans. The Nigerian international striker on loan from Russian outfit Lokomotiv, was keen to return to Serie A after making 86 appearances for Chievo scoring 20 goals. When speaking to reporters about his move back to Italy, he commented stating that The Flying Donkeys shouldn’t be relegated and would help the club secure their place in the league.

“My European journey started here, so I can’t wait to play for the club again,” Obinna told BBC Sport.

“When I heard of their interest I didn’t have to think about it twice.

“My mind was already made up that I wanted to come back here.

“My football education began during my arrival here in 2005, so definitely it is like a family reunion.”

“I love this club and I want to work hard to ensure we stay in Serie A,” he said.

“I’ve played with Chievo in Serie B and this is something that should never happen again.”

With the Russian Premier League on a winter break until 8th March, Obinna hopes the loan switch will provide him with regular playing time and increase his chances of playing for Nigeria at the World Cup in Brazil.

The Veneto club also confirmed the signing of Argentinian midfielder Leandro Paredes, who will be looking to get regular football. Roma were hoping to sign the midfielder, but failed to sign him as they were unable to register the 19-year-old due to having a maximum non-EU players.

Corini will now have plenty of choice each week to secure The Flying Donkeys position in Serie A, Dario Dainelli and Preparim Hetemaj are unlikely to feature away to Udinese this weekend due to injuries against Lazio, so could see some debut’s at the Stadio Friuli.

The 43-year-old may change his formation against Francesco Guidolin side, rather then the 3-5-2 he usually plays, may opt to play a Trequartista role with Cyril Théréau dropping back in support for Alberto Paloschi and Obinna.

Chievo have no problems when they face a big clubs, but Corini needs to install some consistency when playing teams who are similar to his own. The signings have been encouraging and there’s real hope for the Gialloblu, the players must now keep focused in order to stay where they belong…Serie A!

Forza Chievo!!!

Follow Nic Petruzziello on Twitter: @NicPetruzziello

 

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