Bologna vs Chievo preview - Sannino urges Chievo focus

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2013 by PA

Chievo coach Giuseppe Sannino is hoping his team's lowly position in the table will serve as a wake-up call ahead of Monday's game at Bologna.

The Verona outfit have endured a dismal start to the season, and a return of just four points from their opening 10 Serie A matches has left them at the foot of the standings.

"We know on Monday we simply must win," Sannino said. "Only by gaining a victory can we make things easier for ourselves.

"But we need to show a drastic improvement in every department.

"We must show more hunger and determination in order to win games."

Chievo have major problems up front, with a mere seven goals so far - and only one on the road.

"We need to come up with better solutions up front," Sannino said. "We have to create more goal-scoring chances.

"The problem is that our strikers tend to help out in defence and end up using all their energy helping the team out."

Chievo showed a marked improvement in their 1-0 defeat at league leaders Roma on Thursday, but their poor run of form which has seen them lose their last six games has turned the spotlight on Sannino.

"It's difficult to talk after eight defeats in 10 games," Sannino said. "We know our limits, but also know we can do much better."

Bologna, in contrast, go into the encounter at the Renato Dall' Ara stadium looking for their third straight win.

Wednesday's 3-0 triumph at Cagliari was Bologna's second success of the campaign and their first on the road this season.

The result lifted the Rossoblu three points clear of third-bottom Catania.

Bologna coach Stefano Pioli said: "Our last two victories give us a bit boost in confidence and the conviction that we are on the right path. However, we need to improve our position in the standings.

"We haven't done anything yet and we must focus now on Chievo."

Bologna are without defenders Cesare Natali and Andrea Mantovani, both sidelined with muscle injuries.

The visitors are without midfielder Perparim Hetemaj, who serves a one-match ban.