Two clubs, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. A pair of star-cross’d strikers prepare themselves; Whose adventure and passion will overthrow and put to death their clubs strife.
The fearful passage on which they embark on, and the continuance of their club’s rage, will see only one club stand in that city they call home.
If you, with patient eyes attend, what here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.
One city sharing the hatred between two clubs for 85 years, the presidents of these two establishments are Maurizio Setti of Hellas Verona and Luca Campedelli of Chievo. The stewards of their respective households are Andrea Mandorlini and Eugenio Corini.
A victory already in favour of the Flying Donkeys where a goal was conceded by the Mastini in November, losing the first Derby della Scala in 11 years. Campedelli would have been pleased with the win with the rehiring of Corini who won his first game in charge. However it is Setti who does remain content with life, as his team have finally re-established themselves back in Serie A after a decade away from top flight football.
Nevertheless, both teams have struggled in the last month, with one result that Mandorlini will want to forget quickly being the 5-0 thrashing at Sampdoria, while for Corini, it’s been an uphill battle for some time now, but the 3-0 win at home to Bologna will ease the tension, especially with those else around them slipping up.
The Derby della Scala also sees two inform strikers go head to head to show, with Luca Toni and Alberto Paloschi vying to be crowned Prince of Verona come Saturday evening.
Paloschi has improved in the last month and showing that he can be a real threat towards the oppositions defence, whilst Toni has stunned his critics and could potentially grab a seat on Cesare Prandelli’s place to Brazil this summer.
Anything is possible with these two, however it’s about the support they are given. Victor Obinna has been paired up with Chievo’s 24-year-old most recently, though the partnership is in the early stages, but things are moving in the right direction and the pair seem to have something of an understanding.
Luca Rigoni and Përparim Hetemaj are key to the midfield at the Gialloblu, with the vice-captain having been consistent and hard working of late, while Hetemaj has also been solid and is key when Chievo look to stop others playing, but also at providing a link to the generally isolated forward line.
There is everything to play for this weekend for Corini and his team, regardless if it’s the clubs biggest game of the season, he must win and do the double over their rivals. This could be helped by the fact that Verona haven’t been as impressive of late, but after their 3-0 win against Genoa they will be confident leading into the derby.
As for the story of the star-cross’d strikers, we’ll have to wait and see who fulfils their destiny.
Forza Chievo!!
Follow Nic Petruzziello on Twitter: @NicPetruzziello
