Cagliari vs Chievo preview - Donadoni calls for Cagliari improvement

Cagliari coach Roberto Donadoni expects a much-improved performance from his players when they host Chievo on Sunday after last weekend's defeat against Juventus.

Donadoni's men fell 3-1 at home to Juve in what was their second defeat in six games.

The result dropped Cagliari to ninth in the Serie A standings, just one point clear of Sunday's rivals.

"We made too many mistakes and that cost us dearly," said Donadoni. "We waited for Juve to hit us instead of playing our game. We cannot let that happen against Chievo.

"We have to impose our game play from start to finish."

Chievo, meanwhile, have an extra bounce in their step after holding Lazio to a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico last weekend.

"I have to applaud my men," said Chievo coach Stefano Pioli. "We came up against a strong Lazio side and we battled from start to finish.

"Given the performance and sacrifice I think we deserved the point.

"We are in a fine moment of form but the job is by no means done.

"With this approach I'm confident we can reach our objectives but we must remain focused and take things a game at a time."

Chievo have shown great balance at both ends of the pitch, scoring seven goals while conceding just two in their last six games.

The Flying Donkeys travel to the Sant' Elia looking to extend their six-match unbeaten run.

Chievo lie nine points clear of the bottom three after 24 games played.

The visitors must overcome the absence of midfielder Fernandes, who serves a one-match ban.