Chievo vs Siena preview - Mezzaroma looking for response

Posted Sunday, March 25, 2012 by PA

Siena president Massimo Mezzaroma is confident his club will bounce back from a disappointing week when they host Chievo in Verona on Sunday.

The Tuscan outfit saw their three-game winning streak come to an end in Sunday's 2-0 loss to Novara.

Siena were then knocked out of the Coppa Italia in the semi-final stages after a 2-0 defeat at Napoli on Wednesday.

"Siena had never gone this far in the competition and we are proud of what we have achieved," Mezzaroma said. "Despite the defeat, we leave the Coppa Italia with our heads held high.

"It's a shame we didn't have all of our players available but we accept the result.

"Now we will put all our energy in the league, starting in Sunday's game at Chievo.

"We hope to recover some players although it will be difficult.

"I nevertheless believe that my players will want to prove that they can do well."

Siena are 16th in the standings, six points clear of the drop zone with 10 games remaining.

With the team's top scorer Emanuele Calaio out for the rest of the season through injury, Siena coach Giuseppe Sannino will be hoping to recover striker Mattia Destro, who is struggling with a thigh problem.

Chievo are 11th and three points clear of Siena ahead of the encounter at the Marc' Antonio Bentegodi stadium.

The Flying Donkeys extended their winless run to three games after last weekend's 2-2 draw at Bologna and know the importance of Sunday's game in their battle to avoid the drop.

"Our only focus must be on beating Siena on Sunday," Chievo playmaker Cyril Thereau said. "If we take three points this weekend, we can take a giant step towards avoiding the drop."

Domenico Di Carlo's men will have to show a vast improvement with respect to their recent performances in Verona.

Chievo have lost three of their past four league games at home.