Hellas Verona vs Chievo preview - Iturbe targets derby win
Posted Friday, November 22, 2013 by PA
Argentinian striker Juan Manuel Iturbe expects Hellas Verona to maintain their perfect home record when they host strugglers Chievo in Saturday's city derby.
Hellas go into the match at the Marc' Antonio Bentegodi Stadium having previously lost 2-0 at Genoa - their fourth defeat of the season - but they are a different side in Verona and will be aiming for a seventh home win this weekend.
"We are ready to take on Chievo and get all three points," Iturbe said. "We are all looking forward to the game.
"We know how much this match means to our fans and we will do our best to satisfy them.
"We are getting strong and our morale is high going into this weekend's match.
"We know the importance of getting good results at home in order to climb up in the standings."
Hellas, who gained promotion to the top flight last summer, are sixth in the standings, two points behind Fiorentina, who hold the last European qualifying spot.
"We are on the right path to achieve our aim which is to defend our Serie A status," Iturbe said.
"But we have a lot of work to do and the season is very long."
Saturday's game will be the first for coach Eugenio Corini since returning to guide Chievo.
Corini replaced Giuseppe Sannino, who was dismissed after Chievo's goalless draw against AC Milan last time out.
Corini led the Verona club to a 12th-placed finish in Serie A last season and has a huge challege in his hands.
Chievo have won just one and lost eight of their opening 12 games.
The Flying Donkeys' only triumph dates back to September 21 and they lie at the foot of the standings with six points.
However, Corini is hoping the derby will spark his team into life.
"Those who love football, love the derby," Corini said. "We hope to give our part and play a great game."
Lack of goalscoring has been Chievo's biggest problem with the Verona team having found the net seven times so far.
To complicate matters for Corini, striker Sergio Pellissier will serve his first of a two-match ban this weekend.
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