Palermo vs Chievo preview - Mutti lays down challenge

Palermo coach Bortolo Mutti has called on his side to finish off a disappointing season with two wins.

The Sicilian outfit host Chievo on Sunday having mustered just one victory in their last 12 league games.

That dismal run has ended Palermo's hopes of finishing in the top half of the standings - something they have succeeded in doing in their last three campaigns.

Mutti's side are coming off a 2-0 defeat at Napoli on Wednesday which saw them drop to 16th in the standings.

"We lack freshness and determination," Mutti said. "We struggle to attack the rival defences.

"I expect a better performance from my players in our last two games."

Palermo had higher ambitions than avoiding the drop but at no time have they shown the quality to contend for a place in Europe this season.

They have won just 11 of their 36 games and have managed just one victory away from home.

The club are already focusing on the future without Mutti, who replaced the sacked Devis Mangia back in December.

"We are safe from relegation but our campaign has been an ugly one," Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini said. "Our recent results make me think that the club needs to go in a different direction next season.

"It will be very difficult that Mutti will remain in charge at the end of the campaign."

Rivals Chievo go into the match at La Favorita also looking to return to winning ways.

The men from Verona have not won since April 7 and have collected three points - all from draws - since then, including Tuesday's goalless draw against Roma.

The Flying Donkeys are 12th in the standings and safe from relegation as they are nine points clear of the drop zone.

Chievo, coached by Domenico Di Carlo, need to show a vast improvement in front of goal having failed to find the net in their last five games.

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