Chievo vs Hellas Verona preview - Pride at stake in Verona derby

Posted Saturday, May 09, 2015 by PA

Chievo and Hellas Verona are each breathing a sigh of relief going into Sunday's city derby having ensured themselves of Serie A football for next season.

The Flying Donkeys were in the relegation zone earlier this year after a dismal run of form but have lost just one of their 10 last league games to climb up in the standings.

Chievo held Inter Milan to a goalless draw at the San Siro last weekend to climb to 13th in the standings, just one point and one place clear of neighbours Hellas.

"We were in a difficult position not that long ago," Chievo coach Rolando Maran said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "But we have achieved our aim with four rounds left to play.

"This says a lot about my players. They have shown great unity and determination in recent months to help the club defend their Serie A status."

Chievo have been impressive defensively, giving away just three goals in their last 10 encounters.

"I have to applaud my players because they never give up," Maran said. "Even against a strong side like Inter, they kept their focus until the end."

Hellas go into the encounter at the Marc' Antonio Bentegodi stadium nowhere near full strength, with veteran defender Rafael Marquez and midfielders Jacopo Sala and Leandro Greco all suspended.

To complicate matters for coach Andrea Mandorlini, goalkeeper Rafael, midfielder Emil Hallfreddsson and striker Juanito Gomez are all doubtful because of injury.

Hellas lost 1-0 at home to Udinese last time out and will have plenty of motivation to beat Chievo.

Mandorlini's men were beaten 1-0 at home by their city rivals earlier this season and victory on Sunday will see them leapfrog Maran's side in the standings.

Luca Toni will lead Hellas' attack. The Italian veteran forward has scored 18 league goals so far and is two strikes away from Serie A's top scorer, Carlos Tevez of Juventus.