Atalanta vs Chievo preview - Corini calls for concentration
Posted Saturday, March 01, 2014 by PA
Chievo coach Eugenio Corini has urged his players to maintain their focus as they look to boost their fight against relegation with victory at Atalanta on Sunday.
The men from Verona go into the encounter in Bergamo in buoyant mood having ended a 10-match winless run last time out.
Last weekend's 2-0 triumph against Catania lifted Chievo to 16th place, one point clear of the relegation zone.
Corini believes his side can succeed in their mission of defending their top-flight status provided the players maintain their concentration.
"We needed to give a strong signal after our recent negative results and we did against Catania," Corini said. "We won against one direct rival in our battle to avoid the drop and we truly deserved the three points.
"During a season you go through delicate times but only through hard work can you overcome them.
"On Sunday we face a difficult rival in Atalanta and we will have to maintain the team spirit that we showed against Catania.
"We can beat the drop. We just have to remain united and keep up our focus."
Atalanta have lost just three times at home this season.
They go into the encounter looking to put behind them last weekend's disappointing 1-1 draw at Udinese.
Atalanta looked to be heading for their first win on the road since October 5, only to be denied by a second-half Udinese equaliser.
"It's an important point even though we deserved so much more from this game," Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono said.
"We are playing well at home but on Sunday Chievo will come here determined to take some points and we expect a tough match."
Atalanta are two places clear of Chievo in the standings and have an eight-point cushion with respect to the drop zone.
The visitors will be without defender Gennaro Sardo, who begins a two-match ban.
Photos
More»
UCL's most glamorous presenter looks stunning
Saturday May 11 2024
Meet sexy model Katharina Wehenkel
Friday May 10 2024
Your Say