Palermo vs Chievo preview - Iachini has faith in side

Palermo coach Giuseppe Iachini remains confident his team can do well this season despite a poor start which has left them languishing in the relegation zone.

The Sicilians have won just one of their opening eight games and head into Wednesday's home match against fellow strugglers Chievo in 18th place in the table.

Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Juventus was Palermo's third loss in their last four outings and fourth of the season, while their tally of 17 goals conceded is the second-worst in the division.

However, Iachini, who guided Palermo to promotion after winning Serie B last season, feels his team can compete in Italy's top flight.

"We handed a good performance against Juventus," he said. "We made a few mistakes and Juve made us pay.

"It's never easy to play in Turin and make life difficult for Juventus.

"We tried but we leave with our heads held high. I have young players that lack experience but have potential.

"We need to continue to work hard because this team can grow into a strong group."

Opponents Chievo are also looking to change their fortunes.

The Flying Donkeys go into the encounter at La Favorita on the back of three straight losses, the latest of which against Genoa on Sunday was Rolando Maran's first game in charge of the Verona outfit.

Maran had replaced Eugenio Corini, who was sacked with Chievo having lost five of their opening seven games.

Chievo are one place and two points adrift of Palermo heading into their midweek showdown.

"The only thing the team can do in order to come out of this situation is to work hard," Maran said. "The players are desperate to end the rot as soon as possible and we came close against Genoa.

"We hope we can take a step forward against Palermo and bring home three points."

Chievo have won just once this season, a 1-0 triumph at Napoli on September 14.