Chievo v Napoli – Preview: Flying Donkeys fight for salvation against consistent Partenopei
The Flying Donkeys have been unable to secure a win since the start of 2015, drawing twice and losing twice in their past four Serie A matches, with their most recent result coming in a hard fought 2-0 loss to Juventus in Turin on January 25.
The inability to earn three points as of late has seen Rolando Maran’s men drop to 18th place in the league standings with 18 points, though a victory over Napoli could potentially see them rise a few places up the table.
The Partenopei have been more and more impressive lately, winning seven of their last nine matches in all competitions, and were able to overcome Genoa with a 2-1 win at the San Paolo in their most recent league clash on January 26. The victory over the Grifone has helped the Azzurri reclaim third place on the Serie A table, knocking Lazio back down to fourth for the time being, and has given Rafa Benitez’s men a two point advantage over their nearest pursuers.
Chievo have secured two wins in Verona this season thus far, including a derby win over rivals Hellas Verona as the away team on December 21, while Napoli have lost just two of their 10 Serie A games on the road this term with their last away defeat coming against AC Milan during match week 15.
The Gialloblu won their previous clash with the Neapolitan side in a shocking 1-0 result at the San Paolo on September 14 and have been able to secure at least one point in three out of their last four meetings with Napoli, achieving victory in five of their last nine games against the Ciucciarelli since the 2010-11 campaign.
Mariano Julio Izco, Gennaro Sardo and Nicolas Frey will all need to undergo fitness tests to determine their availability for the host side, while Dario Dainelli will be missing from Maran’s squad while he serves a one-match suspension. Ivan Radovanovic is expected to be in the starting line up but will have to face Napoli with some caution as he is on the verge of picking up a ban of his own.
Benitez will still be without Lorenzo Insigne, who is scheduled to return in April, while Juan Zuniga and Michu are set to have their conditions evaluated. The Azzurri defence will be lacking Faouzi Ghoulam and Kalidou Koulibaly, as Ghoulam remains absent due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations and Koulibaly will be out serving a one-match suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
David Lopez and Dries Mertens could see themselves left out of the Napoli squad as well in the near future if they’re not careful, with both currently one booking away from suspension.
Form Guide: Chievo (L-W-D-D-L-L) Napoli (L-W-W-L-W-W)
Expected Starting XIs
Chievo: Bizzarri; Zukanovic, Gamberini, Cesar; Biraghi, Birsa, Radovanovic, Hetemaj, Schelotto; Meggiorini, Paloschi
Napoli: Rafael; Strinic, Albiol, Henrique, Maggio; Lopez, Gargano; De Guzman, Hamsik, Callejon; Higuain