Sassuolo vs Chievo preview - Corini calls for focus

Chievo coach Eugenio Corini has warned his players they cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal when they visit Sassuolo on Sunday.

The Verona outfit are looking to defend their Serie A status this season and go into the encounter at the Braglia Stadium looking for a third straight win.

The arrival of Corini last month has inspired the Verona outfit, who beat city rivals Hellas 1-0 before clinching a 3-0 triumph over Livorno in the last round.

"I have tried to bring serenity and I think that has helped," Corini said. "We still have several things to correct but we are on the right path.

"My players are trying really hard and the important thing is that we are getting points. But we cannot get our hopes up just yet.

"We will take things one step at a time as we have done in recent weeks. We have to continue to work hard and make the most of our chances.

"We have an important game at Sassuolo and we have to go all out for victory."

Their good run of form has seen Chievo climb from the foot of the standings to 16th place, with 12 points from 15 games.

Rivals Sassuolo will fancy their chances of avoiding defeat as they remain unbeaten since October 30.

Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco expects an improved performance from his players after they threw away a 2-0 half-time lead against Cagliari last weekend and had to settle for a 2-2 result.

"In Serie A you cannot afford the mistakes that we made," Di Francesco said. "We missed a great chance to take an important win.

"We threw away two points in a game that we controlled and that upsets me."

The point lifted the promoted side to 15th place, two points clear of the relegation zone.

Sassuolo welcome back defender Luca Antei from suspension.