Chievo now face the uncertainty of whether or not they will be relegated or survive at the end of the season, after they suffered a defeat to the hands of fellow relegation strugglers Sassuolo at the Easter weekend.
Eugenio Corini’s men are just two points away from the relegation zone, and six points behind Cagliari. While Bologna and Livorno have struggled of late, Sassuolo have taken advantage of their poor run of form and moved out of the danger zone thanks to a better head-to-head record against their rivals.
Nevertheless, the Gialloblu are in the thick of it all and anymore slip ups may cost them a place in Serie A next season. Whilst Alberto Paloschi is making headlines with his hat-trick against Livorno and a possible move back to co-owners AC Milan, one player cannot save the Flying Donkeys all on their own.
The 24-year-old has scored 13 goals for Chievo so far this season, while his fellow striking colleagues have struggled to reach double figures. Cyril Théréau has only scored six in 29 games, while the Gialloblu’s captain Sergio Pellissier has scored just the once in 21 appearances this season, though they will have to be called upon as Paloschi now has a muscular problem and could be out for a game or two.
Victor Obinna and Adrian Stoian have yet to score since their arrival in January, however is this down to Corini not being consistent when it comes to picking the starting IX, or that both players just can’t adapt to the 43-year-old’s coaching style.
Elsewhere, Përparim Hetemaj, who has been used as the trequartista, has been valuable to Corini’s course. He has four assists to his name and appears to be creative enough to be the one who can get more service to the forward line.
Despite better service being needed, the Gialloblu’s defence is questionable at best, even some of the new signings haven’t featured and with the news of Nicolas Frey departing for Watford, Corini will need to look for replacements to strengthen his defence.
However, reports from the Watford Observer have suggested that Watford have no intention in signing the Frenchman Frey. The paper had stated that the Hornets have not agreed a move and have no plans to sign the 30-year-old, who can play in the centre or the right of defence.
The problem that the Flying Donkeys, Corini, and president Luca Campedelli now face is losing players such as Paloschi and Michael Agazzi to other sides in Serie A. Milan have been heavily linked to both and with the Rossoneri reshaping the team for next season both could easily fit into their side.
Chievo face Sampdoria away at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday, a win would help them climb away from the bottom to safety, however Sampdoria have made a significant improvement under Siniša Mihajlovic.
With four games left, Corini needs maximum points to be 100% safe and clear of the bottom three, however it is extremely tight at the bottom and as we know in football anything can happen.
Forza Chievo!!
Follow Nic Petruzziello on Twitter: @NicPetruzziello
