Chievo vs Sampdoria preview - Garrone looking to halt slide

Posted Sunday, April 03, 2011 by PA

Sampdoria president Riccardo Garrone believes his team can stop the rot when they travel to Verona to meet Chievo.

The Genoa team have not won since beating Bologna 3-1 on February 13 and slumped to their fifth defeat in six games with a 1-0 home loss to Parma last time out - a result which left the Blucerchiati in 16th place, just three points clear of the drop zone.

Garrone attended a training session and was pleased with his team's preparation.

He said: "We have eight crucial games left to play.

"I have seen my players extremely motivated, they are aware of the situation we are in and are ready to deliver.

"We cannot make any mistakes, we must remain focused."

Samp coach Alberto Cavasin will be desperate for his team to end their negative run.

Samp sacked Domenico Di Carlo last month and installed Cavasin yet he has presided over defeats to Catania and Parma.

Chievo, meanwhile, eased their relegation fears with a 2-1 triumph at bottom-side Bari in the last round.

The victory halted a six-match winless run for the Verona outfit and allowed them to climb to 13th place, four points clear of Sunday's rivals.

Stefano Pioli's side will be looking to take another step towards defending their Serie A status in Verona.

"The game against Samp is very important," said Chievo striker Sergio Pellissier. "We are five points away from defending our Serie A status and we want to get there as soon as possible."

Chievo will be bolstered by the return of defenders Marco Andreolli, Bostjan Cesar and Andrea Mantovani from suspension.