Sampdoria vs Chievo preview - Chievo clash crucial - Mihajlovic

Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2014 by PA

Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has urged his squad to maintain their solid start to the Serie A season when they host Chievo on Wednesday.

The Blucerchiati are unbeaten with five points after their three games, and head into the midweek encounter on the back of Sunday's goalless draw at Sassuolo.

"It's a crucial match because we want to extend our positive run heading into the derby," Mihajlovic said.

Samp square off against city rivals Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday, but Mihajlovic insists his side's only focus for now is on Wednesday's match.

"We have to be ready to face Chievo," he said. "They beat Napoli (in Naples on September 14) and are an organised team.

"The result will depend on how well we play.

"The fact that we are playing at home will help us."

Mihajlovic will rest some of his first-choice players against Chievo.

Italian striker Francesco Fedato is expected to make his first appearance this term, playing alongside Gianluca Sansone and Gonzalo Bergessio in attack.

"It's difficult to play three games in a week," Mihajlovic said. "That is why we need the contribution of every player.

"I will make some changes to the team.

"We have a good roster and everyone can play and give something."

The Flying Donkeys travel to Liguria after going down 3-2 at home to Parma on Sunday, having made headlines with a 1-0 win at Napoli in the previous round of fixtures.

"Against Parma we suffered a drop in form and they took advantage by scoring two goals to make us pay," Chievo coach Eugenio Corini said. "We cannot afford a drop in concentration like we had against Parma."

The Verona outfit will be without services of experienced midfielder Mariano Izco, who injured his thigh against Parma and will be sidelined for two months.