Chievo stole a 1-0 victory over city rivals Hellas Verona in the Derby della Scala in Sunday’s early kick off at the Stadio Bentegodi in the Serie A.
Alberto Paloschi was the hero for the Flying Donkeys, as his emphatic header ten minutes from time was enough to decide an extremely tense derby, and ensure the bragging rights went to Chievo.
Did we get the ratings right? Let us know in the comments below.
Hellas Verona
Francesco Benussi – 6 – Reliable
The shot-stopper made some decent saves – most noticeably from a couple of Radonovic’s long-distance shots, but was powerless to stop Paloschi’s emphatic header with 10 minutes left.
Vagelis Moras – 6 – Disciplined
Comfortable in defence for the most part, dealing with the Chievo attack easily. Partly to blame for the winning goal however, with his marking not as tight as it should’ve been.
Rafael Marquez – 6 – Controlled
The Mexican international was in control, like Moras, for long stretches of the game but switched off for the winning goal. Yellow card means he will be suspeneded for Verona’s next Serie A match.
Ivan Martic – 6.5 – Injured
The Croatian was unfortunately injured just before the half-time break, but was a crucial factor in the home sides dominance of the first half – keeping the Paloschi in check.
Guillermo Rodriguez – 5.5 – Loose
The fullback was a marauding presence at right wingback, but perhaps could’ve done better to prevent the cross that led to the winning goal.
Lazaros Christodoulopoulos – 6 – Tireless
Tireless runner, but lacked any real quality and conviction with his output. Gave the ball away too many times.
Panagiotis Tachtsidis – 6.5 –Classy
The Greek international was a classy presence in the middle of the pitch, spraying the ball effortlessly for the most part. Played a delightful lob early in the match that Toni failed to take advantage of.
Emil Hallfredsson – 6.5 – Tigerish
The fan favourite was everywhere, harrying and forcing the opposition into mistakes with his all-action style. Didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
Daniele Brivio – 5.5 – Sloppy
The left-wing back came into the side, but failed to take his opportunity. Too often his crossing was erratic when he got into good positions, and didn’t do enough to stake his claim for a regular spot.
Nene – 5.5 – Ineffective
Another one that came into the side, but failed to grasp his opportunity. One speculator scissor kick aside, the Brazilian barely threatened the opposition goal.
Luca Toni – 7 – Colossal
The talisman was at his best in the first half, constantly creating panic in the opposition box and making a nuisance out of himself. Came close on a couple of occasions, and could’ve been awarded an early penalty.
Substitutes
Alejandro Gomez – 5.5 – Inferior
Came on to replace the injured Martic on 44 minutes, but struggled against the Chievo attack in the second half. Never looked convincing.
Nicolas Lopez – 6 – Flashes
Showed flashes of his talent when he came on with 22 minutes to go, but didn’t provide a constant threat. Still, performed better than Nene and should start the next game.
Javier Saviola – NA
Came on with 7 minutes left.
Chievo
Albano Bizzarri – 6 – Dependable
Didn’t really have much to do, despite Verona’s dominance in the first half. Virtual spectator in the second stanza.
Nicolas Frey – 6 – Decent
The Frenchman put in a solid shift at right back for the Flying Donkeys. Didn’t really contribute to the attack, but was reliable defensively.
Alessandro Gamberini – 6.5 – Solid
The veteran defender made some important blocks, especially in the first half. Comfortable in the second half with his side firmly in the ascendancy.
Bostjan Cesar – 6.5 – Mixed
Alongside Gamberini, he did well to hold out the Verona onslaught in the first half. More calm in the second half.
Ervin Zukanovic – 7 – Assistor
The left back was in impressive form, excelling both defensively and offensively. Provided the assist for the winning goal with a sumptuous cross from the left.
Valter Birsa- 5.5 – Inconsistent
The ex-AC Milan man blew hot and cold. At times, he showed his class, but faded from the game too many times when his side needed a spark.
Mariano Izco – 6 – Unspectacular
Offered very little going forwards from midfield, but played the simple passes well and did what was asked of him.
Ivan Radonovic – 7 – Quality
Offered some quality in the middle of the pitch, showing a nice touch. Tested Benussi from distance a couple of times, with his long-range chip nearly a contender for goal of the season.
Perparim Hetemaj – 6 – Fighter
Did a good enough job in the middle of the pitch, hassling the opposition but didn’t show enough flair and imagination to open up Verona.
Riccardo Meggiorini – 6 – Battler
Made a nuisance of himself up front and put himself about without really troubling the opposition. Had a smart shot saved early in the second half.
Alberto Paloschi – 7 – Hero
The hero of the Derby. Netted the all-important goal ten minutes from time, emphatically heading in a delightful cross to gain three valuable points for his side.
Substitutes
Ezequiel Scheletto – 6.5 – Threat
Did a great job on the right side, providing a bundle of energy to the Chievo side. Made a number of damaging forays into the Verona half to stake a claim for a starting spot for the next game.
Dario Danielli – NA
Sergio Pelissier – NA
