Chievo vs Parma preview - Donadoni not underestimating Chievo

Posted Sunday, January 20, 2013 by PA

Parma head coach Roberto Donadoni insists their opponents Chievo demand exactly the same amount of respect as Serie A leaders Juventus.

The Crociati battled to maintain their unbeaten home record after falling behind to Juve last time out, with Nicola Sansone finding the goal to restrict the Italian champions to a solitary point at the Tardini.

Chievo's experience in neighbouring Bologna was a completely one-sided affair, though, as Eugenio Corini's men returned to Verona with nothing from a 4-0 defeat.

But Donadoni remains wary of a side that were recently threatening to echo the achievements of Luigi Del Neri's famous Flying Donkeys side, who took the top flight by storm at the turn of the century.

He told fcparma.com: "I don't think Chievo are in trouble. I watched their match against Bologna and they played on a par in the first half.

"Certain incidents made a difference and when you concede four goals it's easy to jump to conclusions.

"They will want revenge after such a heavy defeat, especially now they're back in front of their own fans. That will make the game even more complicated."

World Cup-winning defender Cristian Zaccardo, midfielder Afriyie Acquah and striker Dorlan Pabon have all been linked with moves away from Parma but Donadoni would not be drawn on any potential replacements.

"If you listen to what the papers are saying then the rumours never end," he added. "But we are all thinking carefully about the market and won't rush while we're making our evaluations."

Midfielder Daniele Galloppa is close to a return to full fitness and represents Donadoni's only real injury concern, while Chievo are without the suspended Bostjan Cesar.

Nicolas Frey, Boukary Drame and Roberto Guana are all sidelined through injury as Corini looks to mastermind a first win over the Ducale club since May 2007.