Chievo Club Focus: Flying Donkeys need to pull up

Date: 13th February 2014 at 3:32am
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Chievo are in desperate need of a win, after yet another heavy defeat away to Udinese saw them drop to 17th in Serie A. The Stadio Bentegodi outfit have only scrapped two points out of a possible 21, frustrating the fans with these missed opportunities that could of prevented a dyer season.

The Flying Donkeys are now just a point away from the drop zone, with Livorno and Sassuolo, who have played the January transfer marcato safe and could overtake the Gialloblu to secure their chances of another season in Serie A. However I’m doubtful they will be able to maintain a winning mentality and Chievo should be able to continue their threat in Italy’s top flight.

The Tuscan side have done well to keep their hands on Paulinho, who has scored most of the goals for the Amaranto this season. Nevertheless they can’t afford to rely on him. Domenico Di Carlo did well to bring Ishak Belfodil on loan from Inter, but can the Algerian capture his form he once showed at Parma and is Di Carlo the man to keep them up?

Whilst Neroverdi in their translational period, have made too many changes in my opinion to stay in Serie A. The sacking of Eusebio di Francesco for Alberto Malesani will eventually prove to be a bad decision made, with owner Giorgio Squinzi begging for Di Francesco’s return. The Sasol fans deserve more, but with the mighty Chievo in their way they need to get use to the letter B.

The weekends game against an underperforming Udinese which saw three goals conceded through a very sloppy defence and a midfield that didn’t track back, was clearly a huge factor in their loss. However going forward Chievo should of got a result at the Stadio Friuli. Cyril Théréau was outstanding with several chances missed and setting up new addition Adrian Stoian who hit the target but was saved by Simeone Scuffet and another chance went wide.

As I stated in other Club Focus articles it was key for coach Eugenio Corini to keep hold of the French talisman, who has been impressive during his time with the Verona outfit. Still yet to be paired with Victor Obinna up front, we could see a good partnership blossom. Although the Gialloblu need goals and it doesn’t matter who can score, Corini just needs them on the field.

The Flying Donkeys will face Juventus this weekend in Turin, a game that they must get a result or face the consequences of possibly sitting in the bottom three. Chievo usually outplay the bigger clubs in Serie A, so why am I so concerned about the The Old Lady?

Juventus have been impressive all season, they are consistent, attack minded and I hate to say it ‘Italy’s best team’. Antonio Conte has rallied his troops to be a force that cannot be stopped. Chievo will have to defend on every bit of the field if they are to get a result, that means pressing and play a high line. The Flying Donkey’s city rivals Hallas Verona managed a draw last weekend by pressing and catching them out on set pieces.

The Gialloblu must exploit the flanks and create chances for the front two, Boukaey Diame with all his pace must get down the left hand-side and get service to Théréau in the box. The Frenchman will do the rest hitting low and hard, catching Luigi Buffon out who will be too slow to react. Captain Luca Rigoni needs to keep his players motivated and keep their heads up even if they go a goal behind.

We’ve seen what impact The Flying Donkeys can do when they play the giants of Serie A, another major upset could be on the cards this weekend!

Forza Chievo!!!

Follow Nic Petruzziello on Twitter: @NicPetruzziello

 

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