Chievo vs AS Roma preview - Frey happy in isolation

Posted Friday, March 21, 2014 by PA

Chievo defender Nicolas Frey is prepared to enter a self-imposed period of isolation if it helps the Flying Donkeys secure their future in Serie A.

Having taken only 24 points from their 28 games the Verona club sit only one point clear of the drop zone and last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Fiorentina was a sixth reverse in eight games.

Next up at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi are title-chasing Roma, who are 14 points off the pace set by leaders Juventus but back to winning ways after inspirational captain Francesco Totti led a 3-2 victory over Udinese.

With relegation now a very real threat for Chievo, Frey feels the time has come for his team-mates to shun all distractions and begin monk-like existences ahead of the season run-in.

He told the Gazzetta dello Sport: "In order for Chievo to stay up I'll confine myself to the training ground until the end of the season. I'll make any sacrifice so that we can stay in Serie A.

"I would even stay far, far away from my family right to the end of the season.

"Roma are a great team and now they've got Totti back. (Coach) Rudi Garcia is really good, too, he's done some great work for them.

"But on Saturday I think we can give Roma something to worry about just like we did with Fiorentina on Sunday."

Chievo boss Eugenio Corini is missing key man Perparim Hetemaj through suspension while fellow midfielders Roberto Guana and Leandro Paredes are sidelined through injury.

The middle of the park is also a concern for Roma. Vice-captain Daniele De Rossi serves a one-match ban as Kevin Strootman recovers from successful surgery on a season-ending knee injury.

Full-back Federico Balzaretti has returned to Italy from Boston following specialist tests on a hernia in his groin.

Frey's defensive counter-part at Roma, Rodrigo Taddei, is fully focused on helping the Giallorossi cling on to second place with Napoli breathing down their necks.

He told the Corriere dello Sport: "We're second and we have one goal in our minds.

"We have to stay focused on the games we still have to play. We have proven we are strong and now everyone respects us."