Chievo vs Napoli preview - Lopez issues Chievo warning

Posted Saturday, January 31, 2015 by PA

Napoli midfielder David Lopez has warned his team-mates not to underestimate lowly Chievo when the two teams meet on Sunday in Verona.

The Flying Donkeys beat Napoli 1-0 at the San Paolo stadium earlier this season and will be eager to repeat that feat when they play in front of their own fans.

"I remember we created so many chances against them and yet Chievo took home a victory ," Lopez told his club's official website. "We are aware that these type of games can be tricky and hence, we must be fully focused.

"We expect a difficult encounter because Chievo are solid on defence and we will have to try to impose our game from the start.

"We are going through a good run of form and we must continue on this path."

Rafa Benitez's men go into the clash in decent form, having beaten Lazio and Genoa in recent weeks to retain third spot and the last Champions League qualifying place.

If Chievo, who are winless in four Serie A games, are to turn the form book on its head they will need to pay particularly close attention to Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain.

The Argentinian has struck five times in Napoli's last four league games, including a brace in the 2-1 victory over Genoa.

"Higuain is a very strong player that can make a difference," Chievo defender Bostjan Cesar said. "More than ever we will need to play like a team in order to limit Higuain.

"We are playing well but we are not being rewarded for our efforts.

"We must start to get more points."

Chievo have yet to come out triumphant in 2015 and last weekend's 2-0 loss at Juventus dropped the Verona outfit into the relegation zone.

Rolando Maran's side are 18th in the standings, just one point adrift of Cagliari, who hold the last safety position.

Cesar returns from suspension while defender Dario Dainelli must serve a one-match ban.b

The hosts are also without defender Nicolas Frey and midfielder Mariano Izco, both suspended.